A book reclaiming the history of how Aboriginal workers were once paid in opium has taken out one of Australia's richest literary prizes at this year's Queensland Literary Awards.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch congratulated Badtjala author and artist Dr Fiona Foley and other 2021 winners of the Queensland Literary Awards, who were announced at tonight's award ceremony.
"These awards highlight the exceptional work from home grown talent being produced and my congratulations goes out to all of tonight's winners," the Premier said.
The Premier commended Dr Fiona Foley, who took out the $25,000 Queensland Premier's Award for a work of State Significance for Biting the Clouds: A Badtjala perspective on the Aboriginals Protection and Restriction of the Sale of Opium Act, 1897 (University of Queensland Press).
"Dr Foley's prize-winning book, Biting the Clouds puts a spotlight on a terrible part of Queensland's history when Aboriginal workers were paid their wages in opium," the Premier said.
"This significant truth telling account will play an important role in building a more inclusive and respectful future for Queensland."
The Premier also congratulated Allanah Hunt and Ellen Wengert as the winners of the two Queensland Premier's Young Publishers and Writers Awards with a total prize value of $12,500 each.
"Allanah will continue to build on her already successful career as a writer who is not afraid to delve into Australia's past and present and to tell her stories with truth and a strong voice.
"Ellen Wengert, who has had works published in The Guardian, ABC, Griffith Review, Kill Your Darlings, will continue to give insights to familiar places and the tangled politics of everyday life.
"The Queensland Literary Awards recognises important Queensland and national voices and each year these awards honour diversity in Australian writing, nurture new talent and celebrate Queensland stories."
Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch also acknowledged Dr Fiona as a worthy winner for telling this compelling story of First Nations people through a combination of visual art, cultural truths and history.
Tabitha Bird of Boonah, Ella Jeffrey of Alderley and Kali Napier of Sherwood are also to be congratulated as the three recipients of the Queensland Writers Fellowships for 2021," Minister Enoch said.
"It is so exciting to see three local authors given the opportunity to immerse themselves in new projects and advance their careers through these fellowships.
"The Queensland Writers Fellowships provide a cash award of $15,000, along with professional development support to the value of $4,500.
"The Queensland Literary Awards recognises important Queensland and national voices and each year these awards honour diversity in Australian writing, nurture new talent and celebrate Queensland stories."
Last year the Palaszczuk Government released Creative Together 2020-2030: A 10-Year Roadmap for arts, culture and creativity, and the Queensland Literary Awards supports several of the roadmap's priorities, including to share our stories and celebrate our storytellers.
Minister Enoch said the Government's investment in the State Library of Queensland supports literacy and encourages creativity in partnership with communities across the state, and this initiative helps support the careers of Queensland artists.
"The arts, cultural and creative sectors are key to delivering our plan for economic recovery from COVID-19, each year injecting $8.5 billion into the state's economy and supporting more than 92,000 jobs for Queenslanders," Ms Enoch said.
"The Palaszczuk Government was proud to return Literary Awards funding after it was cut by the former LNP Government."
State Librarian and CEO Vicki McDonald said the transportive power of a beautifully written book could not be underestimated in times of uncertainty.
"We hope this year's finalists and winners inspire readers to expand their view of the world through wonderful storytelling," Ms McDonald said.
"State Library has managed the awards in collaboration with sponsors, donors, and the literary community since 2014 and we are proud to continue nurturing and championing the careers of all Queensland writers, from emerging to established.
"I congratulate all the winners and finalists; your work and dedication enriches the lives of readers everywhere."
