Founded in Magandjin (Brisbane) in 1940 by Clem Christesen, Meanjin is Australia’s most eminent literary journal. Meanjin publishes new works by hundreds of Australian writers annually, and has a unique role in fostering a rich and rigorous national conversation through poetry, fiction, essays, memoir, and criticism.

Meanjin moved to Melbourne in 1945 at the invitation of the University of Melbourne, and between 2008 and 2025 was an editorially independent imprint of Melbourne University Publishing.

In February 2026, Queensland University of Technology (QUT) became the new custodian of Meanjin. Under the terms of the transfer from MUP, QUT will appoint an Editorial Board to ensure Meanjin’s independence, values and standards are maintained, and recruit an Editor by national competitive search.

1911–2003 Clem Christesen

1940–1974 Clem Christesen AM OBE

1975–1982 Jim Davidson

1982–1987 Judith Brett AM

1987–1994 Jenny Lee

1994–1998 Christina Thompson

1998–2001 Stephanie Holt

2001–2008 Ian Britain

2008–2011 Sophie Cunningham AM

2011–2012 Sally Heath

2013–2015 Zora Sanders

2015–2022 Jonathan Green

2022–2025 Esther Anatolitis