The Shock Closure of Meanjin by Melbourne University Publishing

In September 2025, Melbourne University Publishing (MUP), the publishing arm of the University of Melbourne, announced the immediate closure of Meanjin, one of Australia's oldest and most revered literary journals. This decision, attributed to 'purely financial grounds,' sent ripples of outrage through the Australian literary and academic communities. Meanjin, which had been under MUP's stewardship since 2008, was deemed no longer viable, leading to the redundancy of its two part-time staff members: editor Esther Anatolitis and deputy editor Eli McLean. The final issue was published in December 2025, marking the end of an 85-year era.

The closure sparked immediate backlash, with prominent figures like author Thomas Keneally, former attorney-general Gareth Evans, and Living Treasure Barry Jones decrying it as cultural vandalism. An open letter garnered nearly 3,000 signatures, urging the University of Melbourne to reconsider. Critics questioned MUP's rationale, given the university's substantial endowment, highlighting broader tensions in higher education where financial pressures increasingly threaten non-commercial cultural assets.

Meanjin's Rich History: A Pillar of Australian Literature

Founded in 1940 in Brisbane—known as Meanjin in the Yuggera language—by visionary editor Clem Christesen, the journal emerged during World War II as a beacon for Australian writing. Christesen, often self-funding issues, prioritized poetry and intellectual discourse in an era dominated by commercial imperatives. By 1945, it relocated to the University of Melbourne at the institution's invitation, solidifying its national stature.

Over decades, Meanjin published luminaries such as Patrick White, Judith Wright, David Malouf, Helen Garner, and Alexis Wright, chronicling Australia's literary evolution from the Jindyworobak movement's Indigenous focus to multicultural narratives. It served not just as a publication but as a training ground, skill-building over 10,000 individuals in writing and publishing from 1954 to 2024 alone, with an average of 34 writers and 12 professionals per issue.

• 1940: Founded in Brisbane by Clem Christesen.
• 1945: Moves to University of Melbourne.
• 2008: Transitions to MUP custodianship.
• 2025: Closure announced amid financial strains.

Financial Challenges Facing University Publishing in Australia

MUP's decision reflects systemic issues in Australian higher education publishing. Literary journals like Meanjin operate as not-for-profits, prioritizing cultural value over revenue. The Job-Ready Graduates Package (JRGP), introduced in 2021, dramatically increased student contributions for humanities and creative arts degrees—up to 150% in some cases—leading to enrolment drops of 43% at QUT and up to 50% nationally between 2018 and 2023. This eroded institutional support for arts programs, cascading into publishing deficits.

MUP Chair Professor Warren Bebbington emphasized viability concerns, despite a recent $100,000 grant from Creative Australia. Broader trends show universities divesting from loss-making cultural outlets amid stagnant state funding and rising operational costs. For academics and writers, this underscores the fragility of subsidized literary ecosystems within cash-strapped institutions.

Exploring career paths in Australian higher education can reveal opportunities in resilient fields like creative arts amid these shifts.

QUT's Timely Intervention: Bringing Meanjin Home

On February 11, 2026, Queensland University of Technology (QUT) announced it would become Meanjin's new custodian, successfully outbidding other interested parties. This move returns the journal to Brisbane 80 years after its departure, housing it in QUT's School of Creative Arts. Vice-Chancellor Professor Margaret Sheil hailed it as an honor, noting Meanjin's role in shaping Australian culture and training future publishers.

QUT's bid impressed MUP with its deep appreciation of the journal's legacy. Principal Policy Adviser John Byron acknowledged the challenges ahead: no editor, staff, or board yet, but a commitment to careful stewardship. For more on opportunities at innovative institutions like QUT, visit our Australian university jobs page.

Photo by Queensland University of Technology on Unsplash

Strategic Alignment with QUT's Creative Arts Ambitions

Meanjin's integration complements QUT's creative writing program, which has faced enrolment declines but remains a hub for practical, industry-focused training. By reviving the journal, QUT positions itself as a cultural leader, potentially attracting students and faculty. Researchers estimate literary journals foster writer communities essential for diversity and experimentation, as per a 2024 Creative Australia report.

This strategy mirrors global trends where universities leverage cultural assets for branding and enrollment recovery. Aspiring creative writing lecturers might find lecturer jobs at QUT particularly appealing post-revival.

Mixed Reactions from the Literary and Academic Worlds

Responses have been largely celebratory. Former editor Jonathan Green called it a 'delightful surprise' and a saga that 'ends well,' preserving 'connective tissue' of Australian thought. Contributor Ben Eltham dubbed it a 'victory,' demanding accountability from MUP while praising the outcome.

However, shadows linger: Esther Anatolitis revealed neither she nor the Cultural & Literary Advisory Board were consulted by QUT. Questions persist on First Nations priorities and archive royalties. Academic analyses, like those in The Conversation, praise QUT's 'clever move' for bolstering its profile amid arts funding woes.

Revival Roadmap: Ensuring Independence and Innovation

QUT plans a national search for a new editor and formation of an independent editorial board to uphold Meanjin's values. The focus is 'thoughtful re-establishment,' blending legacy with modern relevance—potentially digital expansions or diverse voices. No timeline for the next issue, but emphasis on viability through rebuilt readership.

• Appoint editorial board for oversight.
• Recruit editor via competitive process.
• Reinvigorate content for contemporary audiences.
• Integrate with QUT's creative ecosystem.

Professionals eyeing editorial roles should check higher ed jobs for similar opportunities.

Implications for Australian Higher Education and the Arts

Meanjin's saga illuminates funding crises in humanities: policy reforms like JRGP prioritized STEM, sidelining arts. Universities now balance prestige with budgets, with publishing arms often first to cut. QUT's rescue exemplifies proactive cultural investment, potentially inspiring peers.

Stakeholders advocate sustained government support via Creative Australia, recognizing journals' role in national identity. For career advice in navigating these landscapes, explore higher ed career advice.

Photo by Queensland University of Technology on Unsplash

Preserving Cultural Heritage in an Era of Fiscal Austerity

Universities historically steward cultural institutions, but closures like Meanjin's signal risks. QUT's model—tying journals to academic programs—offers a blueprint: enhanced training, student involvement, and profile boosts. Yet, success hinges on diversified funding, partnerships, and digital adaptation.

Researchers in literary studies may find research jobs aligning with such initiatives.

Future Outlook: Opportunities and Challenges Ahead

Meanjin's revival promises renewed vitality, fostering emerging voices amid Australia's evolving literary scene. Challenges include financial sustainability and inclusivity, but QUT's resources position it well. This could catalyze policy shifts toward arts support, benefiting higher ed broadly.

In summary, QUT's rescue safeguards a legacy while addressing higher ed imperatives. Job seekers in academia, visit university jobs, higher ed jobs, Rate My Professor, and higher ed career advice for next steps. Institutions looking to hire, consider post a job.