A new search for Australia's most outstanding political leaders has begun, with nominations now open for the 2024 McKinnon Prize in Political Leadership.
The McKinnon Prize, the nation's foremost independent, non-partisan award for political leadership, recognises politicians who have demonstrated vision, courage, collaboration, and ethical behaviour.
The 2024 edition will once again feature three categories:
- Political Leader of the Year (Federal) – for elected federal representatives with more than five years in office
- Political Leader of the Year (State/Territory) – for state and territory elected representatives with more than five years in office
- Emerging Political Leader of the Year – for elected representatives with fewer than five years in office across federal, state, or local government
This year, Bridget Archer was recognised as the 2023 McKinnon Political Leader of the Year for her outstanding contributions in the federal arena, while David Pocock claimed the Emerging Political Leader of the Year prize for his principled approach in the Senate. The State Political Leader of the Year award was shared between Chris Minns and Dominic Perrottet for delivering a New South Wales election campaign of civility and honesty unprecedented in the modern era.
Susan McKinnon Foundation CEO Mike Baird emphasised the importance of celebrating leadership that transcends partisanship.
"We often focus on what divides us politically, but there are leaders who work tirelessly for the public good, showing integrity, courage, and a willingness to engage across party lines. That's what the McKinnon Prize seeks to highlight," Mr Baird said.
"I personally encourage anyone to consider taking part in the nomination process. This is a unique opportunity to recognise leaders who are making a real difference, whether they are at the federal, state, or local level.
"We are looking for individuals who bring about positive change, exhibit moral courage, and work collaboratively to solve problems. We invite the public to help us find and recognise these leaders."
Chairman of the McKinnon Prize Selection Panel, Dr Martin Parkinson noted that Prize's process for selecting a winner collaboratively was challenging, but important.
"Attempting to objectively recognise excellence in political leadership is an ambitious undertaking to say the least," Dr Parkinson said.
"But by assembling an impressive selection panel representing the width of the mainstream political spectrum, the McKinnon Prize demonstrates that consensus can be reached through good faith discussion and debate.
"At a time when so much of our modern politics risks becoming polarised it's important to demonstrate that we do share a set of common values about what we want in our political leadership."
Nominations are open to any elected member of local, state, or federal government, with eligibility determined by years in office. Nominees for the 2024 McKinnon Political Leader of the Year (Federal and State/Territory) must have been elected prior to 1 January 2020, while nominees for the Emerging Political Leader of the Year must have been elected on or after 1 January 2020.
Nominations close at 5pm on 30 November, with shortlists to be announced in February, and winners revealed in March 2024. The awards are judged by a politically balanced panel of esteemed former politicians, business figures, journalists, and civil society leaders, with the Selection Panel chaired by Dr Martin Parkinson AC PSM, Chancellor of Macquarie University.
