Unsurprisingly, Australia\u2019s COVID-19 response has featured heavily in weighing the nominees to be shortlisted for the 2020 McKinnon Prize in Political Leadership.<\/p>\n
While leaders were recognised for their efforts on other issues, such as leading us through the bushfire crisis, bold action on climate change and international economic development, it was our comparatively successful response to the global pandemic that was rewarded by the Prize\u2019s expert shortlisting panel.<\/p>\n
The McKinnon Prize in Political Leadership is an award that recognises two outstanding Australian political leaders each year \u2013 one leader who has served more than five years in office, and one who is a recently elected politician.<\/p>\n
The McKinnon Prize receives nominations from the community for politicians they believe lead with their values and drive change through vision, courage, decisiveness and collaboration. This year the Prize received a record 94 nominations.<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s shortlist was dominated by leaders who played key roles in driving measures that helped Australia through successive \u201cwaves\u201d of infections, including Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, and Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt.<\/p>\n
New South Wales Minister for Energy and Environment Matt Kean was also shortlisted for his efforts in driving innovation and progress on climate change as well as Minister for Indigenous Australians Ken Wyatt for facilitating work towards an Indigenous Voice to Parliament.<\/p>\n
McKinnon Prize Ambassador Simon Crean said the nominees can come from all levels of government \u2013 federal, state, territory and local \u2013 and were selected across broad criteria.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Shortlisting Panel looked for stories of real impact and achievement where peoples\u2019 lives were made better through a nominee\u2019s actions,\u201d Mr Crean said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis could include innovative vision to solve important public policy problems, their ability to cross partisan divides and collaborate, courage to overcome opposition and stand up for a worthy principle, compassionate and ethical behaviour that inspired public confidence, and decisive and well-informed decision-making.<\/p>\n
\u201cConsidering these criteria, it is no surprise our shortlisted leaders included those who led our pandemic response with courage and conviction last year \u2013 often in the face of substantial pressure,\u201d Mr Crean said.<\/p>\n
The two winners of the McKinnon Prize in Political Leadership will be decided by a selection panel formed from a diverse group of distinguished Australians including The Hon Julia Gillard AC, The Hon Mike Baird AO, Catherine Livingstone AO, Nick Farr-Jones AM, Chris Kenny, Leigh Clifford, Sabra Lane, Professor Megan Davis, Lisa Paul AO, Peter McNamara and Yasmin Poole.<\/p>\n
McKinnon Prize Ambassador Amanda Vanstone said it was her hope that the silver lining on an \u201cannus horribilis\u201d could be increased engagement in democracy, civics and our political process among all Australians.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith Australia facing immense challenges in our region and the wider world, it\u2019s more important than ever that we engage in our democratic process, and reward courageous and visionary leaders,\u201d Ms Vanstone said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe shortlisted nominees for the 2020 McKinnon Prize across both categories have demonstrated outstanding leadership during an extremely challenging year. Our leaders listened to expert voices, collaborated and communicated strongly. It\u2019s great to see them receive recognition for this.<\/p>\n
\u201cOn behalf of the McKinnon Prize, we extend our congratulations to all the nominees for their selection and wish them luck,\u201d Ms Vanstone.<\/p>\n
The two winners of the McKinnon Prize in Political Leadership and McKinnon Prize Emerging Leader will be announced in March.<\/p>\n