BETTER GOVERNMENTS. STRONGER AUSTRALIA | MCKINNON

MCKINNON

enters a bold new era

Introducing McKinnon, formerly the Susan McKinnon Foundation. A new name for a renewed commitment to enabling better governments for a stronger Australia.

MCKINNON

MCKINNON prize

recipients announced

Joint federal recipients Julian Leeser MP and Josh Burns MP, state/territory recipient Premier Peter Malinauskas, and emerging leader Allegra Spender MP have each shown that politics at its best can unite communities, confront hard truths and set a long-term course for the nation.

MCKINNON prize

MCKINNON prize

nominations open

Nominations are now open for The McKinnon Prize in Political Leadership 2025. Recognising outstanding political leaders across Emerging, State/Territory and Federal categories.

MCKINNON prize

Tasmania Leads reform that could reshape

schools across Australia

The Tasmanian Government has announced a landmark partnership with McKinnon to deliver Australia’s first trial of a new way of organising schools that brings them together under a shared leadership structure to lift standards and improve outcomes for every child.

Tasmania Leads reform that could reshape

OUR VISION

Better governments
Stronger Australia

We believe better governments is the key to a stronger Australia. The quality of our leadership and democracy has never mattered more. That’s why we work to develop political leadership, strengthen our institutions and solve the most pressing policy issues to create lasting outcomes that benefit all Australians.

our focus areas

The quality of Australia’s political leadership directly impacts our nation’s ability to address complex challenges and seize opportunities. The capabilities and character of our political leaders have never been more critical to Australia’s future.

McKinnon Institute logo

The McKinnon Institute delivers practical professional development for political leaders and their key advisers, focusing on leadership, policy, partnerships and self-management. It seeks to instil a learning mindset and understanding of democratic stewardship.

The McKinnon Prize for Political Leadership celebrates political leaders who demonstrate exceptional vision, collaboration, courage, and ethical behaviour. By highlighting outstanding leadership examples, the Prize helps counter public cynicism, inspires emerging leaders, and shapes the national conversation about leadership quality in politics.

The effectiveness of Australia’s public sector directly impacts our nation’s productivity and success. A high-performing public sector is essential for translating policy decisions into tangible outcomes that benefit all Australians.

A resilient and vibrant democracy requires constant vigilance and renewal. With declining trust in institutions, global disruptions, and youth disengagement, supporting and strengthening our democratic foundations has become critical for Australia’s future.

Australia faces specific challenges that require fresh thinking and proven solutions. From education inequality to economic productivity, we need policy approaches that work - not just in theory, but in practice. That’s why we focus on finding and implementing policy innovations that deliver measurable results.

Mike Baird

“Our vision is governments equipped with enhanced capabilities, processes, and people to serve Australia’s long-term interests effectively. A nation that builds on its foundations to create sustainable prosperity and opportunity for all Australians.”

Mike Baird CEO

NEWS & INSIGHTS

mckinnon prize

news

McKinnon Prize celebrates leadership of empathy, courage and conviction

Joint federal recipients Julian Leeser MP and Josh Burns MP, state recipient Premier Peter Malinauskas, and emerging leader Allegra Spender MP have each shown that politics at its best can unite communities and set a long-term course for the nation.

mckinnon prize

news

McKinnon Prize Nominations Now Open: Impactful Leadership and Policy Achievements of 2025

Nominations are now open for The McKinnon Prize in Political Leadership 2025 for outstanding political leaders across three categories: Emerging, State/Territory and Federal.

policy innovation

news

Tasmania leads school reform that could reshape schools across Australia

The Tasmanian Government has announced a landmark partnership with McKinnon to deliver Australia’s first trial of a new way of organising schools that brings

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