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 the Hon Penny Wong
Senator the Hon Penny Wong has been named the 2022 McKinnon Political Leader of the Year for her swift progress in re-setting Australia’s foreign policy agenda and restoring important bilateral relationships in a challenging geopolitical environment. Senator Wong is the only recipient to have been recognised twice, having been named the 2018 McKinnon Political Leader of the Year.
Dr Helen Haines MP
Dr Helen Haines MP has been named the 2022 McKinnon Emerging Leader of the Year for her commitment to integrity in politics, her dedication to serving her electorate and her considerable impact as a “community-driven” leader on the national stage.
2022 McKinnon Prize Recipient Video
Danielle Wood: A note from the Shortlisting Committee Chair
Good political leadership is critical if we are going to meet the daunting policy challenges confronting Australia. So, we should celebrate great leadership where we see it. That’s why I was delighted to chair the Shortlisting Committee for the 2022 McKinnon Prize in Political Leadership.
The Shortlisting Committee whittled down an impressive longlist of nominations from the public, business, and community groups to just six for the Political Leader of the Year award and five for the Emerging Political Leader of the Year prize.
You are unlikely to agree with the policies or politics of everyone on the shortlist. But I hope you will agree they have shown integrity, vision, capacity to collaborate, and above all changed the country for the better within their sphere.
Political Leader of the Year Shortlisted Nominees
Emerging Political Leader of the Year Shortlisted Nominees
Selection Panel
