Prominent Palestinian author and academic Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah has been fully exonerated after a lengthy investigation into her publicly funded research grant, with the suspension on the project lifted.
Grant Suspension Lifted Following Rigorous Assessment
The Australian Research Council (ARC) confirmed this week that it has reinstated an $870,000 Future Fellowship grant awarded to Dr Abdel-Fattah in 2022. The funding had been suspended pending a 10-month investigation by her employer, Macquarie University, into potential conflicts of interest and queries over expenditure.
The inquiry was launched in early 2025 after Education Minister Jason Clare requested the ARC examine the grant as a "matter of priority". This followed public remarks made by Abdel-Fattah at an anti-racism symposium, where she spoke about finding ways to "bend the rules" and "subvert them". The minister acted after the academic disclosed she had refused an ARC requirement to hold a formal academic conference, opting instead to invite women to contribute revolutionary quotes.
A Case Scrutinised Amid Political Tensions
Dr Abdel-Fattah, a well-known advocate for Palestinian rights, has previously faced significant criticism from political figures, some Jewish organisations, and media outlets for her comments on Israel. She has, for instance, alleged that Zionists have "no claim or right to cultural safety".
However, the university's exhaustive probe focused solely on research conduct and grant management. It examined the code of conduct for responsible research, the appropriateness of expenditure, and the disclosure of any potential conflicts of interest. The assessment engaged two internationally respected academic leaders to contribute to the process.
"Based on the rigorous process undertaken and the information considered in the assessment, the university has determined there is no basis for any further investigation," a Macquarie University spokesperson stated. They confirmed the ARC indicated the investigation "satisfied their concerns".
Academic Vindicated and Work to Resume
Following the conclusion, Dr Abdel-Fattah took to social media to announce the result. "After a 10-month exhaustive, rigorous investigative process, I have been cleared of all allegations raised against me," she wrote. "My employment suspension has been lifted and my ARC Future Fellowship reinstated. I can finally resume my work with community Elders, artists and knowledge holders."
The ARC's chair, Professor Peter Shergold AC, had previously told a Senate estimates hearing that the council's engagement with Macquarie University on the matter predated media reports and the minister's letter. He emphasised that such investigations into grant administration are routine, stating, "This is not an issue about freedom of speech … it's about the acquittal of public funds."
With the suspension now lifted, Dr Abdel-Fattah's research into Arab and Muslim-Australian social movements is set to continue.
