When Australian Book Review editor Peter Rose was considering the creation of the magazine's first laureate, he didn't spend too long looking for the right person to be honoured.
''The idea is to highlight the work of our greatest writers,'' Rose said, ''and as he marks his 80th birthday this year, it seemed obvious to honour David Malouf's many achievements.''
Rose, himself a poet, memoirist and novelist, in addition to steering Australian Book Review, said the laureateship reflected not only the diversity of Malouf's work, but the collective regard for his ''advancement of literature and generosity towards readers and writers''.
Rose said Malouf - who marked his birthday last month with Earth Hour, his latest poems, and A First Place, a collection of essays - had made a deep contribution to literature in Australia, not simply by publishing his work, but by leading campaigns such as the recent push to preserve the Mitchell Library in Sydney.
''That's a very good example of his generosity and active involvement in the culture,'' Rose said.
There is no money attached to the honour for Malouf, but he will nominate a ''laureate's fellow'', a younger writer to receive $5000 to support a major work of poetry, fiction, memoir or criticism to be published in ABR.
Malouf said he was delighted to be the inaugural ABR laureate.
''It's a tribute in itself, and it allows the laureate to have some chance to offer support to a young writer. That certainly appealed to me.''
The formal naming of Malouf as the magazine's laureate will take place after he has discussed his poetry with Lisa Gorton today, April 23, at Deakin Edge, Federation Square at 6pm. This is a free event for which tickets are still available.
