Request for Applications: National Poet Laureate Program (Australia)

Deadline: 17-Mar-2026

The National Poet Laureate Program recognises an outstanding Australian poet whose work demonstrates literary excellence, cultural impact, and community engagement. The Laureate serves a three-year term with an honorarium of $80,000 per year, plus travel and program support, while leading national poetry initiatives, public programs, and collaborations. Eligible nominees must be published poets, Australian citizens or permanent residents, and aged 18 or older.

Program Overview

The National Poet Laureate Program honours sustained excellence and innovation in Australian poetry. It highlights literary merit, artistic significance, and promotes diversity, inclusion, and community engagement in the poetry sector. The Laureate acts as a public ambassador for poetry, raising its cultural visibility across Australia.

Objectives

• Recognise literary excellence and innovation in Australian poetry

• Promote awareness of the diversity and history of Australian poetry

• Strengthen engagement with readers and communities

• Support an inclusive and accessible poetry sector

• Facilitate national, community, and collaborative programming

Laureateship Details

• Term Duration: 3 years

• Honorarium: $80,000 per annum

• Additional Support:

  • Travel and accommodation for program activities

  • Workspace, administrative, and program coordination from Creative Australia

  • Event management and technical support for public programs

  • Media training and assistance

  • Access to archival resources at the National Library of Australia

Responsibilities

• Serve as a public spokesperson and advocate for Australian poetry

• Participate in national events, public engagements, and collaborations

• Design and implement community-based programs in partnership with Creative Australia

• Engage audiences across diverse communities, promoting accessibility and inclusion

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 years or older

• Residency: Australian citizen or permanent resident, primarily residing in Australia during the term

• Professional Experience: At least three professionally published poetry books

• Nomination: Submitted by someone outside the nominee’s immediate family; self-nominations allowed only by invitation

• Exclusions: Groups or organisations, nominees with overdue Creative Australia reports, unpaid debts to Creative Australia, or missing required support materials

Nomination and Application Process

The nomination process consists of two stages:

Stage One: Nomination Submission

• Nominators submit details including eligibility, literary practice, contribution, and published works

• Required support materials:

  • Up to 20 pages of published poetry

  • Up to 2 pages outlining practice or contribution

  • Up to 10 pages of references or letters of support

  • CV or biography (max 2 pages)

• Nominations reviewed by an industry advisor panel, and a shortlist is prepared

Stage Two: Shortlisted Nominee Assessment

• Shortlisted nominees participate in interviews and submit a short vision statement outlining their Laureateship plans

• Each shortlisted nominee receives a $1,500 preparation fee

• The same panel assesses interviews and vision statements

• Recommendations go to the Writing Australia Council, with final approval by the Creative Australia Executive

Submission Guidelines

• Nominations must be submitted via Creative Australia’s Application Management System

• Include nominator details, nominee contact information, consent confirmation, availability for travel, and nomination statement

• Accessible formats and alternative submission methods are available to ensure equitable participation

Why This Program Matters

• Celebrates cultural contribution and innovation in Australian poetry

• Strengthens community engagement and public awareness of poetry

• Provides resources and support to foster national and international collaborations

• Elevates poetry as a key cultural and artistic practice in Australia

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting incomplete or missing supporting materials

• Failing to confirm nominee consent or availability

• Submitting nominations from immediate family members

• Not following page limits for published works, references, or CV

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can be nominated?

Australian citizens or permanent residents, aged 18+, with at least three professionally published poetry books.

2. Can self-nominations be submitted?

Yes, but only by invitation from Creative Australia.

3. What support is provided to the Laureate?

An annual honorarium of $80,000, travel support, administrative and programming assistance, media training, and access to archival resources.

4. What is the duration of the Laureateship?

Three years, with a program of national events, community engagement, and collaborations.

5. How is the nomination process structured?

Two stages: initial nomination submission and assessment by an industry panel, followed by interviews and vision statements from shortlisted nominees.

6. Are nominations from family members accepted?

No, only external nominators may submit nominations.

7. What materials must accompany the nomination?

Published poetry (up to 20 pages), statement of practice/contribution (2 pages), references or letters of support (10 pages), and CV or biography (2 pages).

Conclusion

The National Poet Laureate Program fosters recognition of literary excellence and cultural contribution in Australian poetry. Through national engagement, community programs, and public advocacy, the Laureate serves as a champion for poetry, strengthening Australia’s literary culture and inspiring new audiences.

For more information, visit Creative Australia.