Nominations are now open for The McKinnon Prize in Political Leadership 2025. The Prize recognises outstanding Australian political leaders in three categories each year: 

• McKinnon Political Leader of the Year - Federal, recognises elected representatives with over five years in elected office at a federal level.  

• McKinnon Political Leader of the Year - State/Territory, recognises elected representatives with over five years in elected office at a state/territory level. 

• McKinnon Emerging Political Leader of the Year, recognises federal, state, territorial or local government elected representatives, with fewer than five years in elected office. 

About the Prize

The McKinnon Prize in Political Leadership is an independent and non-partisan award acknowledging elected leaders across all tiers of government who make a positive impact through leadership that embodies courage, collaboration, vision, and integrity. The Prize is a collaboration between the McKinnon and the University of Melbourne. 

Through the Prize we seek to spark a national conversation about political leadership that challenges the prevailing cynical narrative in Australia.  Over time we aim to have a positive influence on how Australians perceive good political leadership and the practice of politics in our country. 

In early 2026 a Shortlisting Committee will meet to determine which of the eligible nominees will be shortlisted. Shortly afterwards, a Selection Panel comprising a diverse group of distinguished Australians drawn from various fields of endeavour will meet to select the recipients.