The Iremonger Award for Writing on Public Issues


Entries for 2008 are now open

Do you have a great idea for a non-fiction book? One that will contribute to public debate on a contemporary Australian political, social or cultural issue? Then enter your idea in The Iremonger Award sponsored by Allen & Unwin, Australia's leading independent publisher with a reputation for publishing books that matter.

The winning entry will receive a cash prize of $10,000, guaranteed publication, royalties on book sales and editorial support to develop the proposal into a finished manuscript.

Download an official entry form and conditions of entry (PDF).

Entries close 1st September 2008.


Previous winners

The End of Charity

Nic Frances with Maryrose Cuskelly

Winner of the 2006 Iremonger Award is a challenging, thought provoking and inspiring exploration of how we should rethink the idea of charity, arguing that to truly address the problems of poverty, inequality and environmental sustainability the we need to become social entrepreneurs, establishing social businesses with real values at their centre.

Inside Spin

Bob Burton

A blistering critique of the largely hidden role played by the public relations industry in Australia, Inside Spin reveals how corporate and government spin doctors invisibly influence just about every news story we read, see and hear. Winner of the 2005 Iremonger Award for Writing on Public Issues.

Australian Heartlands

Brendan Gleeson

The inaugural winner of The Iremonger Award for Writing on Public Issues, this is a provocative exploration of urbanised Australia and a passionate plea for the suburbs to be given their rightful place in Australia's public consciousness.

About John Iremonger

John Iremonger’s outstanding 35 year publishing career helped shape Australia’s perception of its past and spotlighted the challenges of its future.

He published many groundbreaking books and leading Australian writers and was integral to the establishment of Allen & Unwin’s reputation as a leading Australian publisher.

John also founded the independent publishing house Hale & Iremonger and was Director of Melbourne University Press.

2007 winner

Allen & Unwin are thrilled to announce the 2007 Iremonger Award for Writing on Public Issues has been awarded to:

Irfan Yusuf
for his submission
‘Once Were Radicals’

And for the first time the judge’s wish to acknowledge a runner up to the Iremonger Award:

Paula Shaw
for her submission
‘Eight Streets: Two Years in Aurukun’

For more information on the winning entry and judges’ comments, download a PDF of our media release.