The Ned Kelly Award is an annual literary prize in Australia that recognizes outstanding works of crime fiction. Established in 1995, it is named after the infamous Australian outlaw Ned Kelly, who became a symbol of rebellion against authority. The award aims to celebrate the best in the genre, highlighting both established and emerging authors. The award is presented in several categories, including Best Novel, Best First Novel, and Best Short Story. It is organized by the Australian Crime Writers Association and has gained a reputation for promoting high-quality crime literature, contributing to the growth of the genre in Australia.