Acclaimed Australian author Craig Silvey has been charged with serious child exploitation offences, with alleged messages he sent on a paedophile website now made public. The 43-year-old writer, best known for the novel Jasper Jones, was arrested following a police raid on his Fremantle home.
Allegations and Arrest Details
Police documents allege Silvey was "actively engaging with other child exploitation offenders online" when officers executed a search warrant at his property on Monday. The home, located approximately 22 kilometres south of Perth's CBD, is shared with his partner Clare Testoni and their children.
Court records claim the father-of-three used the alias 'Jimmy Jimmy Jimmy' to communicate with other alleged paedophiles on adult websites. In one alleged exchange, Silvey reportedly wrote: "Fremantle guy here. You sound absolutely amazing. Looking gorg too. Very similar interests."
Silvey now faces one count of distributing child exploitation material and one count of possessing such material. Prosecutors believe some of the illegal content was stored within his home office.
Court Appearance and Bail Conditions
The author appeared before Fremantle Court on Tuesday, where he was not required to enter a plea. Magistrate Thomas Hall granted bail under strict conditions, including a $100,000 surety and a $100,000 personal undertaking.
Magistrate Hall noted that "imprisonment is a likely outcome" should Silvey be convicted. His bail terms explicitly forbid him from leaving Western Australia or engaging in any work involving children. His internet access has been severely restricted to purposes such as seeking legal advice, banking, and medical needs only.
Immediate Fallout and Educational Response
The scandal has prompted swift action from educational authorities. Western Australia's Department of Education is moving to distance itself from the author by removing his books from the state curriculum.
Education Minister Sabine Winter confirmed that Silvey's bestselling titles—including Runt, Jasper Jones, and Honeybee—will be withdrawn. "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," Ms Winter stated.
The case continues to develop, with further legal proceedings expected.
