Acclaimed author Peter Carey has expressed strong disapproval of Melbourne University Publishing’s (MUP) recent decision to discontinue the literary journal Meanjin. This publication, which has been a significant fixture in Australian literature since its inception in 1940, ceased operations on October 5, 2023. The MUP chair, Warren Bebbington, cited financial constraints as the primary reason for this closure, describing the situation as one of “deep regret.”
Carey characterized the closure as akin to “destroying a creative ecosystem,” drawing a parallel to the detrimental effects of property development on natural habitats. He remarked, “Remember when property developers destroyed mangroves without understanding they were a breeding ground for mud crabs, prawns, and barramundi? They bear comparison with MUP, who are now destroying a proven breeding ground for Australian literary culture.”
The author emphasized the journal’s contribution to the Australian literary landscape, stating, “The proof is everywhere about us, in our bookshops, in our universities, wherever Australian literature is valued.” Carey referenced letters from Clem Christesen, Meanjin’s founding editor, who commissioned him in January 1972 when he was an unknown writer.
In addition to Carey’s condemnation, a range of writers and creatives have voiced their concerns regarding the journal’s closure. Author Melanie Cheng took to social media, asserting that this cultural institution deserves preservation, noting, “Where else will we find the giants of Australian letters? Such value goes beyond money. Indeed, it is priceless.”
Similarly, poet Grace Yee highlighted her personal connection to Meanjin, recalling that an early draft of her award-winning novel, *Chinese Fish*, was published in the journal’s winter issue in 2013.
Meanjin has historically received funding from various sources, including the University of Melbourne, Creative Australia, and the Copyright Agency. Notably, in early 2008, Meanjin became an editorially independent imprint of MUP.
In response to the closure, an open letter addressed to Professor Emma Johnson, Vice Chancellor of the University of Melbourne, circulated on social media, gathering nearly 1,000 signatories. The letter proposed a voluntary salary reduction of 10 percent for university executives, which could potentially save the institution $150,000, a sum deemed sufficient to sustain the journal’s operations. The letter humorously reminded Professor Johnson that even with the proposed cut, she would still receive a salary of $1,350,000 annually, along with various perks.
Funding from Creative Australia has supported Meanjin through multiple project investment rounds, with the most recent commitment covering activities from 2025 to 2027. In a statement, Creative Australia indicated that it collaborates with organizations to manage unspent funds when projects cannot proceed.
Wenona Byrne, the newly appointed director of the recently established Writing Australia, lamented the closure, stating, “From poetry to essays to works of fiction, it has been in Meanjin that many Australian writers have found their feet and their voice. We are saddened by the news of Meanjin’s closure and recognize its impact on the broader writing ecology.”
Despite these concerns, detailed information regarding Meanjin’s financial situation or subscriber numbers has not been disclosed. A spokeswoman for the University of Melbourne clarified that the university was not involved in the decision-making process and was unaware of the impending closure until MUP’s announcement.
Melbourne University Publishing operates independently from the University of Melbourne, governed by its own board, yet remains a subsidiary of the university. Neither MUP nor current Meanjin editor Esther Anatolitis has provided comments regarding the closure.
The impact of Meanjin’s termination resonates deeply within the Australian literary community, raising questions about the future of literary culture in the country. Many hope that discussions surrounding its funding and viability may lead to a reconsideration of such a significant loss.
