One of Australia’s most renowned authors, Craig Silvey, has faced court after he allegedly distributed child exploitation material.

Detectives arrested the father of three and seized his electronic devices when they executed a search warrant at his Fremantle home on Monday. 

The 43-year-old has been charged with the possession and distribution of child exploitation material.

A portrait of Craig Silvey, 43, with short brown hair and stubble, smiling brightly with his hands in his pockets.

Author Craig Silvey has written several award-winning books including Runt and Jasper Jones. (Supplied: Allen & Unwin/Daniel Grant)

He was not required to enter a plea and showed no emotion as he sat in the dock of the Fremantle Magistrates Court on Tuesday, spending most of the hearing looking down. 

Acclaimed author

Mr Silvey, 43, is most known for his book Jasper Jones, an award-winning modern Australian classic that sold half a million copies worldwide and was adapted into a movie.

He has won numerous accolades for other books, including Rhubarb, Honeybee and Runt, a children’s novel that was also made into a film. 

His books have been popular with children and young adults, often delving into profound themes such as racism, sexual identity and abuse, mostly featuring teenage protagonists.

Craig Silvey pictured against a red background imprinted with the CinefestOZ film festival logo

Craig Silvey pictured at the CinefestOZ Film Festival in September 2024. (Instagram: Craig Silvey)

Jasper Jones and Runt have been widely read in Australian schools as curriculum set texts.

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But WA Education Minister Sabine Winton said that would not be the case in 2026 while the charges were under investigation.

“The nature of these allegations is deeply concerning,” Ms Winton said.

“I have asked the Department of Education to ensure that schools cease using texts by Craig Silvey for the 2026 school year while the allegations are under investigation.”

Granted bail

Magistrate Thomas Hall granted Mr Silvey bail, saying “imprisonment is a likely outcome”, but he was not convicted at this stage.

The police prosecutor opposed bail, telling the court Mr Silvey was not cooperating with investigators.

Craig wears a blue long sleeve top and rests his head in the palm of his hands as he smiles

Author Craig Silvey at a book signing for his novel Runt in September, 2024. (Facebook: Craig Silvey)

The prosecutor said Mr Silvey had engaged in an online conversation during which he expressed a sexual interest in children, and there was evidence he had provided images.

The prosecutor said he had used an adult website, using the name “Jimmy Jimmy Jimmy”.

A photo of a sign stating 'Fremantle Justice Complex' on the side of a building

Craig Silvey faced Fremantle Magistrates Court charged with allegedly possessing and distributing child exploitation material.  (ABC News: Cason Ho)

He told the court the author had declined to allow detectives to gain access to his mobile, desktop and other devices and a court order was being sought to ensure compliance.

Silvey ‘may hinder investigation’

The prosecutor said Mr Silvey “may hinder the investigation” and described him as a “flight risk”.

The defence lawyer said Mr Silvey didn’t have a passport, and he could stay at another residential address that was not his own.

Mr Silvey was granted bail with both a $100,000 surety and a $100,000 personal undertaking.

A man is talking to media

Defence lawyer Amir Murad argued in favour of bail being granted for Mr Silvey. (ABC News: Cason Ho)

He is not allowed to leave Western Australia or engage in any work involving children and can only use the internet for legal advice, banking and medical purposes.

His lawyer said it would be difficult for his client to not use the internet as he was self-employed.

The magistrate, who had said he had read Mr Silvey’s books, addressed the author directly, saying, “I’m sure you appreciate these are serious charges”.

Craig smiles next to a huge stack of books including Runt, Honeybee and Jasper Jones

The prosecutor opposed bail for Mr Silvey, describing him as a flight risk. (Facebook: Craig Silvey)

Mr Silvey was not released from custody.

The ABC was told he did not meet the surety bail condition and he was taken from the court in a prison van.

The news of Mr Silvey’s arrest prompted the City of Subiaco to issue a statement saying the author will no longer have any affiliation with its Young Writers Award. 

Mr Silvey was announced as the patron of the award in 2023 and was seen as a role model for budding young authors. 

Craig Silvey with a beard talking into a microphone next to a table with his books on it.

Craig Silvey has been charged with child exploitation offences. (ABC Radio Perth)

Mr Silvey grew up in Dwellingup in Western Australia’s south before moving up to Perth where he went to school, and now lives in Fremantle with his partner and three young daughters.

Mr Silvey is set to next face court on February 10.