){kind=logo}
)
Next Horizon is a leadership experience for accomplished professionals considering political leadership as the next stage of their contribution. This unique program gives participants an honest, practical insight into modern political leadership, clarity on how to navigate major party pathways to political service and practical skills to pursue your political goals.
Whether you are actively considering public office or simply exploring how you can create impact beyond your current career, Next Horizon provides a rare opportunity to learn, reflect and connect with others asking the same question: What role could I play?
)
Australia's political leadership directly impacts our nation's ability to address complex challenges and seize opportunities.
At the same time, Australians with deep professional, community and leadership experience are asking how they can contribute more directly to public life. Next Horizon bridges that gap as a truly non-partisan pathway that supports the transition into public life, helping people deeply understand what political leadership involves.
If we can inspire and support more Australians to see politics as the pinnacle of service and impact, to lead with a clear vision for public impact, integrity and courage we are better equipped to address the biggest challenges of our time.
)
The Next Horizon program gives experienced, purpose-driven leaders a clearer understanding of public leadership, political systems and democratic responsibility, while creating space to critically explore whether this path is right for them.
This program is designed for people who:
Have already built a successful career or leadership pathway
Want to contribute beyond your profession or sector
Are interested to extend your impact through state or federal political service
Are motivated by public impact
Are curious about the realities of public life and democratic leadership
Want to actively explore whether political leadership could be part of your future
You do not need prior political experience to participate.
what will participants gain from Next Horizon?
For over a decade, McKinnon has worked with political and public leaders across Australia to build better governments and a stronger democracy. In partnership with Monash University, our programs have reached 1 in 3 MPs across all nine Australian parliaments — and our impact extends from leadership development to democratic reform, public sector accountability and practical policy innovation.
Across all nine Australian parliaments have participated in a McKinnon Institute program
Have completed the McKinnon Institute's Advanced Political Leadership program — 75% were promoted after completing it
Inspiring integrity and deep commitment to public service through the McKinnon Prize for Political Leadership
Federal, state, territory and local politicians recognised and celebrated for outstanding leadership via the McKinnon Prize
No. The program is designed for experienced leaders from a broad range of sectors who are interested in understanding state or federal public leadership more deeply.
McKinnon is proudly non-partisan and Next Horizon is suited to individuals seeking to align with the major parties.
The pilot program is designed for participants who are seriously considering standing for public office. Next Horizon inspiration events provide a more accessible entry point for those who are exploring public life more broadly.
By joining the Next Horizon network, you will receive details about upcoming inspiration events and programs, thought leadership updates, and information about future application opportunities.
Hear more about the Next Horizon training program and our upcoming inspiration events
)
The Susan McKinnon Charitable Foundation Ltd (ABN 12 653 756 597) ('we', 'us' or 'our') collect personal information about you in order to provide you newsletters and information about our events and activities and for purposes otherwise set out in our Privacy Policy.
This information may be disclosed to third parties that help us deliver our services. The Privacy Policy explains how we will collect, use, store and disclose your personal information, the consequences for you if we do not collect this information, and the way in which you can access and seek correction of your personal information or complain about a breach of the Privacy Act. To obtain further information, you can contact us at [email protected].
DEMOCRACY
A resilient and vibrant democracy requires constant vigilance and renewal. Supporting and strengthening our democratic foundations has become critical for Australia’s future.
PUBLIC SECTOR
A high-performing public sector is essential for translating policy decisions into tangible outcomes that benefit all Australians.
POLICY INNOVATION
Australia faces specific challenges that require fresh thinking and proven solutions. From education inequality to economic productivity, we need policy approaches that work - not in theory, but in practice.