mckinnon prize shortlisted nominees
Since 2017, the McKinnon Prize has recognised political leaders who shape Australia with courage and vision. As the only award of it's kind in Australia, it is an unapologetically positive initiative that we hope encourages national discussion about our expectations of political leadership.
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Emerging leaders
emerging political leader of the year: 2024 shortlisted nominees
This category recognises recently elected representatives, with less than five years in federal, state/territory or local office.
Previous winners of this category have included: Senator David Pocock (2023), Dr Helen Haines MP (2022), Mayor Teresa Harding (2021), Dr Anne Aly MP (2020), Lord Mayor Sally Capp (2019), Senator Jordon Steele-John (2018) and Councillor Vonda Malone (2017).
meet the nominees
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Hon Jackie Jarvis MLC has been an advocate for more than 20 years for rural issues, particularly pertaining to rural women. Since being elected she has transitioned that advocacy into policy discussions and has often tabled topics relating to the challenges faced by women living in remote areas, such as access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. She has focused on strengthening the State's agricultural sector and actively engaged with farmers across Western Australia, leveraging her own background in agribusiness.
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Allegra Spender MP has been a vocal advocate for broader tax reform since her election in 2022. She has led the charge in calling for a comprehensive overhaul of Australia's tax system, aiming to reduce the government's heavy reliance on income tax revenue. She has argued that the current system places an unfair burden on younger working Australians, exacerbating issues like housing affordability and intergenerational inequity. Her push for tax reform has reignited a crucial debate on modernising Australia's fiscal policies to better align with the evolving economic landscape and societal needs.
state/territory leaders
state/territory political leader of the year: 2024 shortlisted nominees
This category recognises State or Territory elected representatives with over five years in elected office.
2023 was the inaugural year for the State/Territory Political Leader of the Year and was jointly awarded to Premier Chris Minns and Premier Dominic Perrottet for their civil conduct and respectful leadership during the 2023 State Election Campaign.
meet the nominees
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Andrew Barr MLA has advocated throughout his political career for policies promoting climate change, social justice, economic development and tax reform in the ACT. He has committed to energy transition into the ACT’s economy, and encouraged private sector investment in higher education, as well as major events, sport, trade and tourism. Under his leadership, the ACT has made significant strides in clean and renewable energy and sustainable urban planning.
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Taking a hardline stance on the Northern Territory’s widely publicised burgeoning crime issue, Hon Lia Finocchiaro MLA channelled public sentiment into decisive leadership at the 2024 Northern Territory election securing a significant swing to win. Focusing on attending to the crime crisis within the Northern Territory, she has underpinned her commitment to safety by taking on the role of Minister for Police (as well as the Fire and Emergency Services) portfolio, demonstrating her resolve to be an effective leader for Territorians.
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Since coming into office in 2022, Hon Peter Malinauskas MP has continued and enhanced previous efforts to reposition the South Australian economy, invest in its future and attend to pressing needs facing the State. He has continued to grow and expand his State’s advanced manufacturing and science capabilities, making South Australia a hub for defence and aerospace work. He has overseen the merger of two universities and has moved ahead with serious investments into renewable technologies.
federal leaders
federal political leader of the year: 2024 shortlisted nominees
This category recognises long-serving federal elected representatives with over five years in elected office.
Previous winners of this category have included: Bridget Archer MP (2023), Senator Penny Wong (2022 & 2018), The Hon Tony Smith MP (2021), The Hon Greg Hunt MP (2020), Premier Gladys Berejiklian (2019) and Senator Dean Smith (2017).
meet the nominees
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Julian Leeser MP has emerged as a moderate and respectful spokesperson during a period of considerable conflict, a role he has continued into 2024. His conduct has garnered praise from politicians and commentators across the political spectrum. *Joint nominee with Josh Burns.
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Amidst considerable pressure, Josh Burns MP has been a consistent voice, using his own experiences to humanise the issue to a divided public. He has been the target of personal attack but has been unwavering in his resolve. Showing respect for both sides he has been credited with a sensible, moderate approach that has helped to ease domestic tensions. *Joint nominee with Julian Leeser
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Senator the Hon Anne Ruston has been nominated for her contribution to aged care reform following the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. As Shadow Minister for Ageing, with limited resources, she has taken a bipartisan approach and worked to see reforms to aged care recommended by the Royal Commission delivered. *Joint nominee with Anika Wells
As Minister for Aged Care, Hon Anika Wells MP has achieved significant reforms as a new Minister in a sector historically marred by political and public criticism. Her work has been distinguished by her ability to navigate complex political terrain and gain cross-party agreement for long-overdue aged care reforms, addressing the critical issues identified by the 2021 Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. *Joint nominee with Anne Ruston
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Senator Deborah O’Neill has demonstrated a laser focus on pursuing consumer protection, financial sector accountability, and ethical governance throughout her Senate career. As Chair of the committee on Corporations and Financial Services she has worked to expose and uncover much of what has become known as the PwC tax affair scandal during 2023-24. She has also been an outspoken advocate for gender equality, workplace rights, and addressing systemic inequalities.
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