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As the only award of its kind in Australia, the McKinnon Prize is an unapologetically positive initiative, celebrating those with a vision for impact, courage to collaborate across divides and integrity in protecting Democracy.
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2025 McKinnon federal political leader of the year
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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.
2025 McKinnon political leader of the year - state/territory
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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.
2025 McKinnon emerging political leader of the year
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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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