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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.
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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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