Freedom of Information: Teen Writing Bootcamp

State Library Victoria make the following points to correct media inaccuracies:

• The documents released via FOI reaffirm the decision to postpone the Teen Writing Bootcamp program, while the Library completed a program-wide Duty of Care Review.
• Concerns were raised with the Library about the blogs of one writer, Mr Sakr, and these blogs were not found to require further action. In reviewing those concerns, the Library did however find that its policies and procedures were not sufficiently robust, and therefore decided to undertake a program-wide Duty of Care Review.
• The postponement of the Teen Writing Bootcamp was not because of the political views or religious background of anyone involved with the program.
• The Library did not put together “dossiers” on the writers, in the course of the review process, a short summary paper was put together on the writer’s public posts.
• The Library has a clear duty of care to ensure that all stakeholders are free from vilification, racism and hate speech in all forms and at all times.
• The Library did not undertake general consultation with donors. It only contacted the specific donors who funded Teen Writing Bootcamp to inform them of this decision. 

Further Background 

• The Library has responded to all correspondence received regarding postponement of the Teen Writing Bootcamp, setting out the reasons for the postponement of the program. 
• All presenters contracted for the Teen Writing Bootcamp have been paid in full in recognition of their time, commitment, and expertise.
• The Library must ensure that all stakeholders are protected from vilification, racism and discrimination in all forms and at all times.
• Across the library sector and other cultural institutions, there is active consideration about how to uphold the core value of freedom of speech and expression while ensuring that there is always respectful and safe conduct.
• Given its obligations, the Library considered that its policies and procedures were not sufficiently robust, and therefore decided to undertake a program-wide Duty of Care Review.
• The Duty of Care Review is being finalised and will be made public in the coming weeks.