The Prize, awarded annually by McKinnon and the University of Melbourne, seeks to recognise and celebrate genuine examples of political leadership excellence. By doing so, it seeks to counter cynicism, strengthen trust in politics, and encourage a constructive national conversation about the qualities Australians most value in their leaders.

Now in its eighth year, the McKinnon Prize is judged by an independent panel drawn from across Australia’s political and civic life. Past panellists and recipients have included former prime ministers, premiers and respected community leaders, ensuring the Prize is a credible and bipartisan recognition of leadership that serves the national interest.

Federal Award – Julian Leeser MP & Josh Burns MP
Julian Leeser MP, Federal Member for Berowra, and Josh Burns MP, Federal Member for Macnamara, have been named joint recipients of the 2024 Federal McKinnon Prize for Political Leadership. The two MPs, from opposite sides of politics, stood together in confronting antisemitism during a year marked by global conflict and rising domestic division. Their collaboration elevated the issue above party lines, demonstrating that empathy and moral courage can unite rather than divide Australians.

State Award – Premier Peter Malinauskas
The Hon Peter Malinauskas MP, Premier of South Australia, has been awarded the 2024 McKinnon Prize for Political Leadership at the state level. Since taking office in 2022, Premier Malinauskas has repositioned South Australia’s economy around advanced manufacturing, defence and renewable energy, while addressing cost-of-living pressures, health challenges and housing affordability. He has been widely recognised for his inclusive style, his vision, and his ability to deliver bipartisan reform.

Emerging Leader Award – Allegra Spender MP
Allegra Spender MP, Independent Member for Wentworth, has been named the 2024 McKinnon Emerging Political Leader of the Year. Spender has been recognised for her substantial policy work on tax reform, culminating in the release of her Tax Green Paper in 2024. She has reignited a national debate that successive governments have avoided, advocating for a more equitable system that addresses intergenerational fairness and long-term fiscal sustainability.

The McKinnon Prize was first awarded in 2017. Previous recipients include Senator David Pocock, Hon Bridget Archer MP, Senator Penny Wong, Dr Helen Haines, Tony Smith, Mayor Teresa Harding, Greg Hunt and Dr Anne Aly.