The winners of the 2021 McKinnon Prize in Political Leadership, former Speaker and member for Casey the Hon. Tony Smith MP and Mayor of Ipswich Teresa Harding, were celebrated at the 2021 McKinnon Prize Oration on 28 June 2022.

The winners of the 2021 McKinnon Prize in Political Leadership, former Speaker and member for Casey the Hon. Tony Smith MP and Mayor of Ipswich Teresa Harding, were celebrated at the 2021 McKinnon Prize Oration on 28 June 2022.

Following another year of pandemic restrictions and socio-political upheaval, the McKinnon Prize in Political Leadership has recognised clear political vision, collaboration and the upholding of standards  in awarding the achievements of former Speaker and Member for Casey, Hon Tony Smith MP and Mayor of Ipswich Teresa Harding for 2021.

Australians value politicians who make a real impact on their everyday lives, their communities and economies at a local level. The old axiom that “all politics is local” holds true on Australia, which is why the McKinnon Prize shines a light on emerging leaders.

McKinnon Prize Ambassador Amanda Vanstone argues that COVID-19 has forced us to think more about what we really want from our leaders.

McKinnon Prize Ambassador Simon Crean argues that national cabinet is the right idea, but State and Federal leaders still need to collaborate better on the issues that matter.

New research shows nearly two-thirds (64 per cent) of Australians believe Federal and State Governments have not collaborated well during the pandemic, exposing fault lines in the century-old Federation.

Health Minister, The Hon. Greg Hunt MP has been awarded the McKinnon Prize in Political Leadership for his courageous and collaborative approach to spearheading Australia’s strong health response to the COVID-19 pandemic during 2020.

A new survey has found that despite the extreme disruptions of 2020 that have brought the consequences of our political leaders’ decisions directly into the lives of every Australian, we continue to be broadly disengaged in politics as a nation.

The McKinnon Prize is pleased to announce the appointment of Amanda Vanstone AO and The Hon Simon Crean as ambassadors for the 2020 McKinnon Prize.