The publication of the 2025 novel Discipline triggered a major controversy in Australia, resulting in the disinvitation of Randa Abdel-Fattah from the 2026 Adelaide Writers' Week. This event led to a widespread boycott by fellow authors and the eventual cancellation of the festival, highlighting the intersection of literature, identity politics, and social activism in her career.
Background and Legal Career
Born in Sydney in 1979 to a Palestinian father and Egyptian mother, Randa Abdel-Fattah completed degrees in Arts and Law at the University of Melbourne in 2002. She pursued a dual career as a solicitor and writer, working at several firms including Slater & Gordon, Lander & Rogers, Thompson Playford Lawyers, and Hicksons Lawyers. Admitted as a lawyer of the Supreme Court of New South Wales, she serves as a patron for the Racial Justice Centre, an organization focused on community legal services regarding racial issues.
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Her writing career launched with the 2005 novel Does My Head Look Big in This?, which explored the experiences of Muslim youth in Australia. She has since expanded her output to include children’s literature, such as the 2023 title 11 Words For Love, and projects like the Our Stories series. Her work consistently examines themes of identity, Islamophobia, and the challenges faced by young people in multicultural societies.
Academic Research and Advocacy
Abdel-Fattah earned her PhD in Sociology from Macquarie University in 2016, focusing her thesis on Islamophobia and multiculturalism. As a Future Fellow at the same institution, she investigates social movements and youth identities. Her 2021 book, Coming of Age in the War on Terror, details the sociological conditions of modern Muslim youth. She has contributed essays and articles to numerous publications, including The Guardian, Al Jazeera English, and The Sydney Morning Herald, while maintaining a vocal presence in public discourse regarding Palestinian human rights.
Controversies and Investigations
Her academic and personal conduct has faced intense public scrutiny. In 2025, Education Minister Jason Clare requested an investigation into her use of Australian Research Council (ARC) funding following her admission of repurposing grant resources for a workshop. After a ten-month inquiry, Macquarie University concluded there was no basis for further investigation, and the ARC restored her funding. Separately, her public comments regarding Zionism and her social media activity following the October 7 attacks have sparked significant debate and criticism within the Australian public sphere.
Fast facts
- Born: 6 June 1979, Sydney
- Citizenship: Australia
- Education: University of Melbourne, Macquarie University
- Notable Work: Does My Head Look Big in This? (2005)
- Professional Titles: Lawyer, Sociologist, Writer
- 2008 Award: Kathleen Mitchell Award
- Current Position: Future Fellow, Macquarie University
Questions readers ask
What is the focus of Randa Abdel-Fattah's academic research?
Her research primarily addresses Islamophobia, social movements, race, the war on terror, and the identity development of young people in modern Australia.
Why was her ARC research grant investigated?
The grant was investigated after she admitted to using project funds for a workshop instead of an academic conference, but an independent university investigation cleared her of wrongdoing in late 2025.
Achievements
- Notable work: Does My Head Look Big in This?