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Policy Innovation at McKinnon
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Australia faces specific challenges that require fresh thinking and proven solutions. From education inequality to economic productivity, we need policy approaches that work - not just in theory, but in practice. That’s why we focus on finding and implementing policy innovations that deliver measurable results.
We focus on helping governments act boldly and wisely on the most urgent challenges of our time. By demonstrating what’s possible and supporting progress, we build momentum and strengthen public trust in governments.
Current programs
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Australia’s education system faces real challenges, with student outcomes declining and equity gaps widening. Yet, these challenges also create a powerful opportunity. McKinnon is committed to driving bold, evidence-based innovation to help all young Australians — especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds — reach their full potential. By playing a catalytic role, we can help reimagine education as a tool for opportunity, excellence, and national renewal.
McKinnon is building and applying a local evidence base of what works in Australia, informed by international best practice. We identify promising ideas, support their real-world testing through pilots, and translate learnings into practical, scalable solutions. Our work is designed to cut through systemic barriers and accelerate impact — so every student benefits from an education system that’s dynamic, effective, and future-ready.
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Economic policy matters more than ever in Australia. With cost-of-living pressures, housing affordability concerns, and productivity slowdown topping voter priorities, the public is looking for effective solutions. Economic management is now a leading issue for Australians, prompting both major parties to present competing policy agendas. In this context, rigorous, evidence-based economic research is essential—helping shape policies that address today’s challenges while securing long-term prosperity.
McKinnon aims to elevate the quality of economic policymaking by supporting rigorous evidence, highlighting the most pressing issues, generating fresh insights, and building broad-based coalitions for reform. Its work is focused on shaping practical, forward-looking solutions that help Australia become more prosperous, equitable, and sustainable.
Other Policy Innovation Initiatives
The Grattan Institute is an independent, non-partisan think tank, committed to producing policy analysis and recommendations that are grounded in evidence, geared to the national good, and expressed clearly and powerfully, without fear or favour. McKinnon provides unfettered funding to the Grattan Institute, supporting them to maintain their independence as they work to identify rigorous and practical solutions to Australia’s most pressing problems.
The Centre for Independent Studies Education program focuses on research and policy recommendations that improve the quality of teaching and student outcomes. CIS advocates for evidence-based improvements to our education system rather than an inputs-based approach, which has seen an increase in government spending without an associated improvement in education outcomes.
Through our funding, CIS has been able to:
Invest in research and advocacy on the Science of Learning to provide practical resources for teachers, including the publication of papers and roundtable events
Research and advocacy in early numeracy screening, including the pilot of an early numeracy screening tool in over 100 schools, reaching 500 teachers and 6000 students to collect a robust evidence base to inform early numeracy education
Early Years Education research including the economics of early education, preschool outcomes measurement and how to embed the science of learning into policy and practice in early years
Environmental Leadership Australia (ELA) is a not-for-profit, non-partisan organisation championing community and political leadership on climate change. ELA work constructively to advance practical, evidence-based climate and environmental policy to ensure a prosperous future for all Australians.
Climate action is not just an issue for one side of politics - it requires all of us. ELA specialise in supporting climate leadership among community leaders and political leaders, both emerging and current, from conservative backgrounds. These leaders have been previously underserved by traditional environment and climate groups.
McKinnon support bipartisan action on climate change by funding organisations that will not impact on political leadership.
EXPLORE MORE from mckinnon
leadership
The quality of Australia’s political leadership directly impacts our nation’s ability to address complex challenges and seize opportunities. That is why we invest in building and celebrating exceptional Leaders.
PUBLIC SECTOR
The effectiveness of Australia’s public sector directly impacts our nation’s productivity and success. That is why we invest in developing measurable frameworks that drive impact and making research and resources accessible and useable.
Democracy
A resilient and vibrant democracy requires constant vigilance and renewal. With declining trust in institutions, global disruptions, and youth disengagement, supporting and strengthening our democratic foundations has become critical for Australia’s future.