The McKinnon Prize for Political Leadership is Australia’s only independent, non-partisan award recognising outstanding political leadership. The Prize seeks to recognise leaders, encourage national discussion and inspire future generations to pursue effective and principled political leadership.

McKinnon, in partnership with the University of Melbourne, is pleased to announce the shortlisted nominees for the 2025 McKinnon Federal Political Leader of the Year Award. This category recognises federal elected representatives who have served more than five years in elected office.

The McKinnon Prize is awarded annually through a rigorous and transparent selection process. Nominees are assessed by an independent judging panel comprising prominent Australians with diverse professional and political perspectives.

Meet the nominees

Senator Claire Chandler

Senator Chandler’s nomination recognises her advocacy on issues relating to human rights in Iran and Australia’s response to the Iranian regime. Following the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022, Chandler pursued parliamentary and public advocacy focused on human rights concerns, particularly those affecting women and girls, as well as Australia’s policy settings toward Iran. Her work included engagement through parliamentary processes and committee mechanisms, contributing to public and policy discussion on these issues.

The Panel noted Chandler’s sustained focus on issues relating to Iran and her use of parliamentary committees and scrutiny processes to advance policy discussions from opposition. Members also highlighted her engagement with issues affecting diaspora communities and international human rights concerns.

Hon Jason Clare MP

Minister Clare’s nomination recognises his leadership across the education portfolio, spanning early childhood education, schools, vocational education and higher education. During 2025, his reform agenda included new school funding arrangements, measures to strengthen safety and accountability in early childhood settings, implementation of recommendations arising from the Universities Accord, reforms to university governance and initiatives aimed at improving access to tertiary education. His work has also included measures addressing student welfare and institutional accountability across the education sector.

The Panel noted the breadth and scale of the Minister's reform agenda across multiple areas of the education system. Members highlighted his work on legislative and policy reform spanning early childhood education, schools and universities, as well as his engagement with stakeholders across government and the education sector.

Senator James Paterson

Senator James Paterson’s nomination recognises his role in policy development and parliamentary scrutiny following the 2025 Federal Election. During a period of significant change within the Coalition, Paterson contributed to public policy debate and discussions regarding the future direction of the Opposition. His work has focused on maintaining policy engagement, parliamentary accountability and the development of alternative policy approaches.

The Panel noted the Senator's contribution to policy discussions within the Coalition following the election and highlighted his use of parliamentary committees and public advocacy. Members also recognised his role in supporting parliamentary scrutiny and accountability during a period of transition for the Opposition.

Senator David Pocock

Senator Pocock’s nomination recognises his approach to independent representation, with a focus on transparency, accountability and legislative negotiation. As a crossbench senator, he has frequently engaged in detailed policy discussions and negotiations on legislation, with an emphasis on achieving outcomes through parliamentary processes. His work has contributed to broader discussions about the role of independent representatives and crossbench participation in the Australian Parliament.

The Panel highlighted the Senator's effectiveness in parliamentary negotiations and legislative scrutiny. Members also noted his advocacy on issues relating to human rights, governance and long-term policy considerations.

Allegra Spender MP

Allegra Spender’s nomination recognises her leadership following the Bondi terrorist attack and her subsequent engagement with issues relating to community safety, social cohesion and legislative reform. She advocated for policy responses aimed at addressing extremism and antisemitism while also emphasising the importance of legislative scrutiny and the protection of civil liberties. Her work has focused on balancing public safety objectives with broader governance and accountability considerations.

The Panel noted Ms Spender’s response to the Bondi attack and her engagement with affected communities. Members also highlighted her advocacy on economic and tax policy issues and her contribution to parliamentary debate on reform proposals.

 Senator the Hon Murray Watt

Senator Murray Watt’s nomination recognises his leadership of reforms to Australia’s national environmental framework. In 2025, he oversaw legislation designed to update environmental assessment and approval processes, establish new environmental standards and create an independent national environmental regulator. The reforms also sought to streamline approval pathways while strengthening environmental oversight and compliance mechanisms.

The Panel highlighted Senator Watt’s leadership of the environmental reform process and noted the significance of the legislative changes. Members also recognised his extensive consultation with stakeholders across industry, environmental organisations and government, and his efforts to build consensus in a complex policy area.