Unsurprisingly, Australia’s COVID-19 response has featured heavily in weighing the nominees to be shortlisted for the 2020 McKinnon Prize in Political Leadership.

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 and former Howard government minister Amanda Vanstone finds it surprising that in a recent survey, more than half of Australians couldn’t name a political achievement or a politician who has had a positive impact this year.

If the Trump era tells us one thing, it’s that the dangers of misinformation and – more disturbingly – disinformation can have a severe impact on public discourse, says McKinnon Prize ambassador and former federal Labor leader Simon Crean.

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.