Nominations are now open for the 2026 McKinnon Prize in Political Leadership, recognising leaders who put Australia’s needs first, demonstrate vision and collaborate across political divides to deliver positive outcomes.

Our democracy is stronger than most. But the rules around politics have not kept up. Powered by McKinnon, Democracy Counts is a growing alliance of organisations and Australians brought together by a shared mission: to renew Australian democracy so that truth and the public interest win.

McKinnon, in partnership with the University of Melbourne, is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 McKinnon Political Leader of the Year. As the only award of its kind in Australia, the McKinnon Prize is an unapologetically positive initiative, celebrating those with a vision for impact, courage to collaborate across divides and integrity in protecting Democracy.

Tasmania has begun the school year as a national test case for a UK-proven school improvement model that has lifted results in some of England’s most disadvantaged communities. The five-year trial draws on evidence from England’s multi-academy trust system, where independent inspections and longitudinal data show sustained improvements once schools join shared leadership and support structures.

In April, the National Tax Dialogue brought together senior leaders from across business, civil society and the policy community in a commitment to improve the tax reform environment. It led to the Tax Reform Roadmap – a shared commitment to reset the conditions for reform.