Winners
Winners of the McKinnon Prize in Political Leadership are celebrated at an annual oration. Winners of both prize categories were presented with an award in recognition of their outstanding achievements and exceptional leadership.
2019 winners
Premier Gladys Berejiklian
McKinnon Political Leader of the Year
Premier Berejiklian was named the McKinnon Political Leader of the Year for her outstanding leadership of New South Wales, reflected in her balanced and empathetic handling of reproductive health reform, a strong economic and budget position, and record infrastructure expenditure.
Lord Mayor Sally Capp
McKinnon Emerging Political Leader of the Year
Lord Mayor Capp was named the McKinnon Emerging Political Leader of the Year for her outstanding leadership of the Melbourne City Council. In particular, she was noted for her stabilising presence in Town Hall, where she has fostered a high degree of consensus among councillors for advancing an impactful policy agenda.
2018 Winners
Senator Penny Wong
McKinnon Political Leader of the Year
Senator Penny Wong was named the McKinnon Political Leader of the Year for her leadership and advocacy in promoting a more tolerant and inclusive Australia and for shaping Australia’s foreign policy dialogue.
Senator Jordon Steele John
McKinnon Emerging Political Leader of the Year
Senator Jordon Steele-John was named the McKinnon Emerging Political Leader of the Year for his outstanding leadership on disability advocacy.
2017 Winners
Senator Dean Smith
McKinnon Political Leader of the Year
Senator Dean Smith was named the McKinnon Political Leader of the Year for tackling vital issues of public policy, overcoming adversity and achieving real change for the public good.
Councillor Vonda Malone
McKinnon Emerging Political Leader of the Year
Councillor Vonda Malone was named the McKinnon Emerging Political Leader of the Year, for politicians with less than five years in office, for her outstanding leadership as Mayor of Torres Shire Council.
For enquiries contact the Melbourne School of Government:
government-enquiries@unimelb.edu.au
The McKinnon Prize in Political Leadership is a collaboration between the Susan McKinnon Foundation and the University of Melbourne through the Melbourne School of Government.
