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Join us as we celebrate this year's finalists and announce our winners. Expect an engaging evening of thoughtful discussion, fresh insight and a fitting celebration of outstanding political leadership.
A partnership between
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The McKinnon Prize in Political Leadership is a collaboration between McKinnon and the University of Melbourne and is Australia's only independent, non-partisan award for outstanding political leadership.
Established in 2017, this prestigious award celebrates political leaders who demonstrate exceptional vision, collaboration, courage, and ethical behaviour. By highlighting outstanding leadership examples, the Prize helps counter public cynicism, inspires emerging leaders, and shapes the national conversation about leadership quality in politics.
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The McKinnon Prize recognises outstanding Australian political leaders in three categories:
Long-serving federal elected representatives with over five years in elected office. This year's shortlisted nominees are:
Senator Claire Chandler
Hon Jason Clare MP
Senator James Paterson
Senator David Pocock
Allegra Spender MP
Senator the Hon Murray Watt
State or Territory elected representatives with over five years in elected office. This year's shortlisted nominees are:
Hon Roger Cook MLA
Hon David Crisafulli MP
Hon Ruth Forrest MLC
Hon Peter Malinauskas MP
Hon Chris Minns MP
Hon Jeremy Rockliff MP
Recently elected representatives, with less than five years in federal, state/territory or local office. This year's shortlisted nominees are:
Hon Andrew Charlton MP
Hon Rachel Payne MLC
Dan Repacholi MP
Jess Wilson MP
Special guest
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For the past two decades Lord David Cameron, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 2010 to 2016, has been a central figure in a rapidly changing world, shaping global politics, wrestling the forces of populism, and promoting moderate, compassionate conservatism in an age of disruption and tumult.
At a time when the world is more dangerous, more volatile, more confrontational, than most of us have ever known, Lord Cameron draws from his extensive experience to help audiences navigate current geopolitical risks and global trends – informing as well as entertaining, with insights from inside the rooms where key decisions have been made over the past two decades.
Lord Cameron will be joining us virtually, live from London, in conversation with Columnist and Senior Writer at The Age and SMH, Jacqueline Maley.
Wednesday 24 June 2026
6:00pm - 9.30pm
National Gallery of Australia, Canberra
Dress code: Business attire
To contact the team please email [email protected]
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