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24 JUN 2026
NSW Premier Chris Minns has been awarded the McKinnon Prize in Political Leadership in the State and Territory category, recognised for the calm authority he demonstrated following the Bondi terror attack and for what the selection panel described as his “clear moral clarity” in responding to rising antisemitism.
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.
The panel said Premier Minns stood “head and shoulders above the field” for the steadiness, clarity and consistency he demonstrated during a period of heightened tension and national grief.
He was selected from a distinguished shortlist that included Premier of WA Hon Roger Cook MLA, Hon Ruth Forrest MLC (Tas), Hon Peter Malinauskas MP - Premier of South Australia, and Hon Jeremy Rockliff MP - Premier of Tasmania.
Following the December 2025 terror attack at Bondi Beach, Premier Minns was recognised for the way he communicated during the crisis, providing reassurance and stability at a moment of profound public shock.
It is easy to speak clearly when there is no risk in doing so. Leadership is tested when the pressure arrives. Premier Minns showed a willingness to say what needed to be said, plainly and without qualification.
The panel also highlighted Premier Minns’ response to antisemitism as a defining feature of his leadership.
At a time when many political leaders internationally had retreated into ambiguity or cautious language, the panel said Premier Minns was prepared to draw clear moral lines and defend social cohesion directly.
Premier Minns did not hedge, soften or equivocate. He called antisemitism out directly and consistently and understood that political leadership sometimes requires clarity before consensus.
The panel said Premier Minns’ leadership during the period reflected a broader quality often missing in modern politics: the ability to provide social stability during moments of fear and division. In recognising him with the award, the panel said the prize was intended not simply to acknowledge crisis management, but the importance of political leaders being prepared to offer clarity, restraint and moral confidence when public trust is under strain.
A Special Commendation in the State and Territory category was awarded to Hon Ruth Forrest MLC of Tasmania, recognised for two decades of relentless advocacy for transparency, fiscal accountability and integrity in public life.
The panel described Ms Forrest’s contribution to the Tasmanian Parliament as “an enduring contribution to democratic standards in Australia.”
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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.
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