The McKinnon Prize for 2023 recognises the outstanding leadership of elected representatives who have driven positive impact through their vision, collaboration, courage and ethical behaviour this year.
The McKinnon Prize now recognises outstanding leadership in three categories:
- McKinnon Political Leader of the Year - Federal
- McKinnon Political Leader of the Year - State / Territory
- McKinnon Emerging Political Leader of the Year
Nominations for the 2023 McKinnon Prize in Political Leadership closed in November 2023. Shortlisting and selection took place in January and February 2024, and the recipients have now been announced.
2023 McKinnon Political Leader of the Year Recipients
Premier Chris Minns and Premier Dominic Perrottet
The Hon. Chris Minns MP, Premier of NSW and The Hon. Dominic Perrottet MP, former Premier of NSW, have been named joint recipients of the first McKinnon Prize for State/Territory Political Leader of the Year, for their civil conduct and respectful leadership during the 2023 State Election Campaign.
Senator David Pocock
Senator David Pocock of the ACT has been named McKinnon Emerging Political Leader of the Year 2023 for his values-driven approach to handling his balance of power position in the Senate and commitment to genuinely listening to and appraising competing perspectives. Senator Pocock was also shortlisted in 2022 for McKinnon Emerging Political Leader of the Year.
Bridget Archer MP
Bridget Archer MP, Federal Member for Bass, has been named the 2023 Federal Political Leader of the Year for consistently demonstrating rare courage in standing up for her principles and the interests of her constituents, even when this has put her at odds with her party. Bridget Archer was also shortlisted in 2022 for McKinnon Political Leader of the Year.
2023 McKinnon Prize Selection Panel
Dr Alan Finkel AC
Tanya Hosch
2023 McKinnon Prize Shortlisting Committee
Cr Nicholas Reece
