Vale Frank Moorhouse

Arts Law has been deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Frank Moorhouse. Respected author, essayist and champion of artists rights, Frank Moorhouse, served as one of the original Arts Law Council of Patrons when the council was established in 2003. The Council raised the profile of Arts Law within the broader community and was comprised of luminaries from both the legal and cultural walks of life. 

Most known for his Miles Franklin Award winning Edith trilogy, Moorhouse was a prolific writer who published over 18 books in additional to screenplays, essays and short stories. He also worked in journalism writing for several mastheads before publishing his first book at only eighteen. In 1985 Moorhouse was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia in recognition of his service to Australian Literature.  

In addition to his literary achievements, Moorhouse was equally known for his passionate advocacy of artists rights, anti-censorship and trade union activism. He was instrumental in Australian copyright reform in the 1970s and later served as Chairman of the Australian Copyright Agency. 

As a long-time friend of Arts Law, we were proud to have Moorhouse as part of the original Council of Patrons. Our condolences are with his family, friends and those whose lives he touched over his long and illustrious career.