Australia was promised a poet laureate: where are they?

The Australian federal government promised to appoint a poet laureate in early 2023, but nearly four years later, no one has been selected for the $80,000-per-year post. Writers who have published at least three professional poetry books are eligible for the role, and nominations closed in March. Creative Australia, the arts funding body, is currently working on the selection process, aiming to announce the laureate in early 2027.

The inaugural poet laureate will champion Australian poetry and reach new audiences, with the role funded by a $26 million, three-year grant from Creative Australia. As authors face challenges like the decline of traditional publishing, political attacks, and the impact of artificial intelligence, the importance of appointing a poet laureate is seen as urgent.

However, the selection process has raised questions about who is responsible and why it is taking so long.