In Australia, we tend to be good at pointing out what we don't like about our leaders.
However, we believe it is vital to identify, honour and engage in conversation about the admirable qualities and accomplishments of outstanding leadership. That is what the McKinnon Prize seeks to do.
The McKinnon Prize is a rare opportunity to recognise outstanding Australian political leadership, providing a crucial and constructive counterbalance to widespread cynicsm.
Recipients
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.
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.