)
:focal(210x628:211x629))
24 JUN 2026
The Hon Dr Andrew Charlton MP has been named McKinnon Emerging Political Leader of the Year in the 2025 McKinnon Prize in Political Leadership, recognised for shaping Australia's response to artificial intelligence at a moment when the stakes for the country could not be higher.
Awarded annually through a rigorous and transparent selection process, the Prize honours leaders who have translated vision and purpose into real public impact — those who have built coalitions across divides, acted with integrity under pressure, and demonstrated the courage to pursue meaningful reform.
Charlton took the category from a strong field, with Dan Repacholi MP, Rachel Payne MLC and Jess Wilson MP also shortlisted.
The panel said Dr Charlton’s work on artificial intelligence stood out for its seriousness, depth and long-term thinking. At a time when governments around the world are struggling to respond to the economic and strategic implications of AI, the panel said Dr Charlton has brought genuine intellectual weight to the debate. His work has consistently focused on the difficult questions shaping Australia’s future: productivity, economic sovereignty, jobs, capability and national security.
The panel said that quality of work is no accident. A Rhodes Scholar and PhD economist, he had already built a successful business and served as a senior economic adviser at the highest levels of government.
Dr Charlton could have stayed in the private sector and had a highly successful career. He chose public service instead, and Australia benefits from that decision.
The panel said that decision continues to shape the way Dr Charlton approaches public life. With a successful career already behind him, he entered politics from a position of achievement rather than ambition alone, bringing a broader perspective and a strong sense of public purpose to the role.
The panel was struck by his policy depth and his integrity. There is a clear alignment between what he says publicly and how he conducts himself. That is rare, and it matters.
The Emerging Political Leader category recognises parliamentarians in the early stages of their careers (under 5 years in office) who are willing to act in the long-term national interest, even when the politics are hard.
A Special Commendation was awarded to Dan Repacholi MP (NSW) for his community advocacy for men's health, an issue that remains badly underfunded and underserved across the country.
)
To honour the work and enduring impact of our McKinnon Prize winners, McKinnon interviewed colleagues, peers and members of their communities to share their perspectives on each recipient's leadership.
THIS YEAR'S MCKINNON PRIZE WINNERS
MEDIA CONTACT
EXPLORE MORE FROM MCKINNON
Public Sector
The effectiveness of Australia’s public sector directly impacts our nation’s productivity and success. That is why we invest in developing measurable frameworks that drive impact and making research and resources accessible and useable.
Democracy
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.
Policy Innovation
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 the best policy innovation to accelerate progress and build trust.