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

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

democracy

resource

Report: Our political system needs an upgrade for our changing world

Major reform to the Commonwealth Parliament and government is needed to enable brave policy making, according to a report prepared for McKinnon.

mckinnon institute

news

Shaping the global conversation

McKinnon Institute CEO, Prof Rod Glover, has addressed the OECD Network of Schools of Government at its annual meeting in May. 

public sector

resource

Assessing and improving policymaking practice: How the sausage is made

McKinnon has commissioned the ‘How the Sausage is Made’ series to examine policymaking in Australia. This series will provide insights into patterns of the good and poor dimensions of policy development, to identify barriers to delivering quality policy.

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