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The McKinnon Prize recognises leadership that inspires and unites people, not simply the leadership that gets someone elected.
2023 Recipients
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Bridget Archer MP, Federal Member for Bass, has been named the 2023 Federal Political Leader of the Year for consistently demonstrating rare courage in standing up for her principles and the interests of her constituents, even when this has put her at odds with her party. Bridget Archer was also shortlisted in 2022 for McKinnon Political Leader of the Year.
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Senator David Pocock of the ACT has been named McKinnon Emerging Political Leader of the Year 2023 for his values-driven approach to handling his balance of power position in the Senate and commitment to genuinely listening to and appraising competing perspectives. Senator Pocock was also shortlisted in 2022 for McKinnon Emerging Political Leader of the Year.
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The Hon. Chris Minns MP, Premier of NSW has been named as a joint recipients of the first McKinnon Prize for State/Territory Political Leader of the Year, for his civil conduct and respectful leadership during the 2023 State Election Campaign. This is a joint award with former Premier Dominic Perrottet.
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The Hon. Dominic Perrottet MP, former Premier of NSW, has been named joint recipient of the first McKinnon Prize for State/Territory Political Leader of the Year, for his civil conduct and respectful leadership during the 2023 State Election Campaign. This is a joint award with the Premier Chris Minns MP.
2022 Recipients
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Senator the Hon Penny Wong has been named the 2022 McKinnon Political Leader of the Year for her swift progress in re-setting Australia’s foreign policy agenda and restoring important bilateral relationships in a challenging geopolitical environment. Senator Wong is the only recipient to have been recognised twice, having been named the 2018 McKinnon Political Leader of the Year.
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Dr Helen Haines MP has been named the 2022 McKinnon Emerging Leader of the Year for her commitment to integrity in politics, her dedication to serving her electorate and her considerable impact as a “community-driven” leader on the national stage.
2021 Recipients
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The Hon Tony Smith MP was awarded the 2021 McKinnon Prize in Political Leadership for his work in consistently and impactfully upholding parliamentary standards and ensuring bipartisan accountability within the parliament.
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Mayor Teresa Harding was named the 2021 McKinnon Emerging Political Leader of the Year for her work in improving transparency and public accountability in political institutions.
2020 Recipients
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The Hon Greg Hunt MP was named the 2020 McKinnon Political Leader of the Year for his leadership in spearheading Australia’s health response to the COVID-19 pandemic during 2020.
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Dr Anne Aly MP was named the 2020 McKinnon Emerging Political Leader of the Year. She was recognised for her work in advocating to reduce violence against women and children and exposing extremist groups to greater government scrutiny.
2019 Recipients
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Premier Gladys Berejiklian was named the McKinnon Political Leader of the Year for 2019. She was recognised for in her role as Premier and for her outstanding leadership of New South Wales. This was reflected in her balanced and empathetic handling of reproductive health reform, a strong economic and budget position, and record infrastructure expenditure.
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Lord Mayor Sally Capp was named the 2019 McKinnon Emerging Political Leader of the Year for her outstanding leadership of the Melbourne City Council. In particular, she was noted for her stabilising presence in Town Hall, where she has fostered a high degree of consensus among councillors for advancing an impactful policy agenda.
2018 Recipients
Senator Penny Wong was named the 2018 McKinnon Political Leader of the Year for her leadership and advocacy in promoting a more tolerant and inclusive Australia and for shaping Australia’s foreign policy dialogue.
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Senator Jordon Steele-John was named the 2018 McKinnon Emerging Political Leader of the Year for his outstanding leadership on disability advocacy.
2017 Recipients
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Senator Dean Smith was named the 2017 McKinnon Political Leader of the Year for tackling vital issues of public policy, overcoming adversity and achieving real change for the public good.
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Councillor Vonda Malone was named the 2017 McKinnon Emerging Political Leader of the Year for her outstanding leadership as Mayor of Torres Shire Council.
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