CHASS stance on MUP decision to end publication of Meanjin journal

The Council for the Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (CHASS) expresses its opposition to the decision by the Board of Melbourne University Publishing (MUP) to end publication of the journal Meanjin. Since its first appearance in Brisbane 85 years ago, Meanjin has been among the most engaged, influential and prestigious of Australia’s cultural and literary publications. It has also provided unmatched opportunities for Australian writers, informed and educated readers about cultural and literary matters at home and abroad, and revealed the Australian people to themselves. It is part of the national cultural infrastructure, and the nation will be much the poorer for its disappearance. We call on MUP and the University of Melbourne to reverse this decision and to work with Australia’s cultural and literary sector in finding a sustainable basis for Meanjin’s future.