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The McKinnon Prize is Australia's only independent, non-partisan award for outstanding political leadership. It seeks to recognise leaders, encourage national discussion and inspire others to pursue courageous and visionary political leadership.
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Congratulations to the 2025 winners
The 2025 McKinnon Prize brought together political leaders, public figures and guests in Canberra to celebrate political leadership at its best. Watch highlights from the evening, featuring excerpts from the acceptance speeches of our 2025 McKinnon Prize winners as they reflect on leadership, public service and the people and experiences that have shaped their work.
At the federal level, political leadership has the power to shape Australia’s future for generations to come. The McKinnon Political Leader of the Year is not about political sides or ideology. It is about acknowledging federal leaders who are making a meaningful contribution to the country through impactful and principled leadership. Congratulations to the 2025 winner Senator James Paterson.
State and territory leaders play a vital role in shaping the everyday lives of Australians — from health and education to infrastructure, community safety and economic opportunity. The McKinnon Prize for Political Leader of the Year celebrates leaders who deliver impact, demonstrate courage and build strong relationships to create positive change for their communities. Leaders guided by purpose, integrity and a commitment to strengthening the systems we all rely on. Congratulations to the 2025 winner, the Hon Chris Minns MP.
Tomorrow’s political leadership starts with people willing to lead with courage, integrity and purpose today. The McKinnon Prize for Political Leader of the Year recognises leaders showing exceptional promise through collaboration, vision and meaningful impact in public life. These are leaders who understand their responsibility to strengthen the democratic system Australians rely on. Congratulations to the 2025 winner of the Emerging category, the Hon. Dr. Andrew Charlton MP.
The McKinnon Prize celebrates outstanding political leaders who demonstrate courage, integrity and a commitment to serve their communities and country. This film reflects on the power of great leadership to bring people together and build a stronger Australia.
Get to know the winners
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At the federal level, political leadership has the power to shape Australia’s future for generations to come.
Senator James Paterson has been awarded the McKinnon Federal Political Leader of the Year, recognised for his disciplined and substantive contribution to public debate, particularly across national security, foreign interference, cybersecurity and democratic integrity.
The selection panel said Senator Paterson stood out for the discipline and rigour he brings to the role of opposition, and for consistently elevating the standard of parliamentary scrutiny and debate.
“We cannot have strong government without strong opposition. Senator Paterson represents the best of that tradition: rigorous, informed and focused on outcomes rather than performance.” — McKinnon Prize Selection Panel
The panel said the award was intended not only to recognise Senator Paterson personally, but to reinforce the importance of high-quality parliamentary opposition within Australia’s democratic system.
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State and territory leaders play a vital role in shaping the everyday lives of Australians — from health and education to infrastructure, community safety and economic opportunity.
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.
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.
“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.” — McKinnon Prize Selection Panel
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.
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Tomorrow’s political leadership starts with people willing to lead with courage, integrity and purpose today.
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.
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.
"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." - McKinnon Prize Selection Panel
The McKinnon Prize is awarded each year from a pool of nominations through a rigorous and transparent selection process. The McKinnon Prize is judged by a unique panel of prominent and accomplished Australians representing the breadth of the political spectrum.
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