The Australian Crime Writers Association is dedicated to promoting greater recognition for crime, thriller and mystery writing in Australia and to protect the general professional interests of all creators of crime and mystery works.
2021 Award Entries Now Closed
We cannot wait to read your entries and announce the shortlists later in the year.

About The Ned Kelly Awards
The Ned Kelly Awards are Australia’s oldest and most prestigious prizes honouring published crime fiction and true crime writing.
past winners
Click below to view a list of winners all the way back to the Ned Kelly Awards’ humble beginnings.
Latest News
Recent goings-on in Australian Crime writing.
The Louie Award for fast fiction crime writing for 2026 is Richard Morton for his story - Low Tide. And our two highly commended writers: Teresa Ammirato for her story, Limoncello and Travis Reid for his story, Hands Beneath Hosier.
Flex those fingers! Entries are open for the Australian Crime Writers Association’s annual fast fiction crime writing competition - The Louie Award.
Past Newsletters
New Releases
A selection of new titles written and published by ACWA members.
Diamonds, furs and murder: the many crimes of Mona Hayes is a historical fiction inspired by the life and crimes of little-known 1930s thief Mona Hayes. Described by police as a well-educated, exceptionally clever crook - if she sees something she wants, she takes it. Most women don’t do that.
Publisher: Ginninderra Press
Published: 1 March 2026
The dying coastal town of Broughlet is being torn apart by wildfires. The People's Cleansing Light is suspected of setting the blazes. Amid the smog, Constable Dahlia Turner discovers her best friends murdered and their son abducted. Finding him will mean confronting the past she's spent years trying to outrun.
Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia
Published: 24 February 2026
A latter-day 'Crime and Punishment', 'The Wykehamist' explores the motivations behind a vicious murder, on a journey which meanders through the May balls and parties of Cambridge, to the glass towers and neon lights of London and Hong Kong.
Publisher: Black Spring Press Group
Published: March 25
A wedding, a missing fiancée, and a murder – Melody Harper is about to discover just how dangerous "I do" can be...
Publisher: Saxon Publishing
Published: 9 June 25
When the body of a young woman is discovered at an outdoor music festival, Detective Kay Hunter’s investigation stalls almost as soon as it starts. Because the killer has left no trace, and the victim’s identity is unknown...
Publisher: Saxon Publishing
Published: 3 February 25
