BAD Sydney Crime Writers Festival 2020

BAD Sydney presents a star-packed in person festival on 7-8 November at the State Library of NSW. See Kate McClymont, Gary Jubelin, Jess Hill, Michael Robotham, Caroline Overington, Chris Hammer, Tom Keneally, Nick Kaldas, Jana Wendt and many more.

As always, there's plenty of crime and thriller fiction with Australian greats like Garry Disher, Michael Robotham and Chris Hammer as well as rising stars. Journalists explain why they turned to (fictional) crime. Fiction icon Tom Keneally talks to us about his view of the nature of evil and we explore writing about Auschwitz in fiction after 75 years.

Like every year, we look at true crime - the first Australian serial killer with Tanya Bretherton or more recent Sydney crime with Kate McClymont. Top ex-NSW police Nick Kaldas, Gary Jubelin and Deb Wallace talk about their experience of policing. Speakers with personal knowledge tell us about experiencing the prison system and the impact of crime on victims and their families. We investigate wider criminal and social justice issues like modern slavery and the prevalence of domestic abuse as well as what can be done about it with Stella prize winner Jess Hill Are we in danger of turning into a security state asks Brian Toohey? Can we trust the justice system to make the right decisions queries Xanthe Mallett?

Tickets start at just $10 for online sessions, and tickets to attend in person are extremely limited due to social distancing restrictions, so get in quick.

This year we are restricted to 30 people in the audience for each event following NSW health regulations. We are using two rooms in different parts of the Library. For the Metcalfe Auditorium, enter the Library from the Macquarie Street entrance. For the Dixson Room, enter the Library from the Mitchell Building entrance on Shakespeare Place facing the Botanic Gardens.

Covid-safe measures

Please look at the special conditions of entry to the library for these unusual times.

Be reassured that we are following all advice to keep you save.