Advanced Political Leadership

Building capability in the next generation of ministers

APL is Australia’s first advanced leadership course for members of parliament who are potential ministers in the short to medium term.

APL is a selective, cohort-based program that supports participants to reflect on the role of ministers in our governance, their personal leadership needs and challenges, and the strategic policy challenges they and Australia will face over the decade ahead.

Over a four-month period, APL Scholars participate in an immersive residential program and a series of complementary workshops. From 2025 they also have the option to take part in a two-year coaching and mentoring program.

Applications

All federal, state and territory MPs are eligible to apply for APL. Applications open in March each year and close April. Applicants are selected by an independent panel.

Building capability in the next generation of ministers

McKinnon Scholars

71 parliamentarians have completed the Advanced Political Leadership program since 2021, including:

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2025 McKinnon scholars

  • Sam Birrell MP

  • Jonty Bush MP

  • Leanne Castley MLA

  • Divina D’Anna MLA

  • Paul Hamer MP

  • Jodie Hanns MLA

  • Lucy Hood MP

  • Simon Kennedy MP

  • Zaneta Mascarenhas MP

  • Zoe McKenzie MP

  • Rhiannon Pearce MP

  • Dr Tanzil Rahman MLA

  • Michaela Settle MP

  • Hon Tjorn Sibma MLC

  • Sally Sitou MP

  • The Hon Amanda Stoker MP

  • Monica Tudehope MP

  • Richard Welch MP

  • Felicity Wilson MP

  • Jess Wilson MP

Past Presenters

Our previous presenters have included:

  • The Hon Mike Baird AO, Former Premier of New South Wales

  • The Hon Julie Bishop, Former Minister for Foreign Affairs

  • Sally Cray, Former Principal Private Secretary to the Prime Minister

  • Dr Alan Finkel, AO Former Australian Chief Scientist

  • Ben Hubbard, Former Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister

  • The Hon Jenny Macklin, Former Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services & Indigenous Affairs, and Disability Reform

  • Sam Mostyn AO, Governor General

  • Professor Beth Noveck, Director, The Governance Lab, New York University

  • Dennis Richardson AO, Former Secretary, DFAT; Former Secretary, Department of Defence; Former Australian Ambassador to the USA

  • Professor Anthea Roberts, School of Regulation and Global Governance Australian National University

  • Helen Silver, AO Former Secretary, Victorian Department of Premier and Cabinet

  • The Hon Arthur Sinodinos, AO Australian Ambassador to the USA; Former Cabinet Minister; Former Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister

  • Professor Gary Sturgess AM, NSW Premier’s ANZSOG Chair of Public Service Delivery

  • Jeff Whalan AO, Jeff Whalan Learning Group

  • Danielle Wood CEO, Chair of the Productivity Commission

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