A jazz song’s divisive slogan costs the awards government support—and sparks a cultural battle
The Queensland Music Awards faces backlash after awarding jazz artist Kellee Green for her composition River to Sea—a title echoing a contentious pro-Palestinian slogan.
During her acceptance speech, Green accused the Australian government of complicity in Israel’s military actions, igniting a firestorm.
Brisbane’s Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner swiftly condemned the awards, calling the win a “promotion of antisemitism” and withdrawing city council funding. “Music should unite, not divide,” he stated.
The Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies demanded Green’s award be revoked, citing a surge in antisemitism since the October 7 attacks.
QMusic CEO Kris Stewart expressed regret but defended the judging process, noting entries were evaluated blindly—without political context.
Yet, critics argue the organisation failed to anticipate the inflammatory implications.
