A diverse group of expert Australians from across the ideological divide will decide this year’s McKinnon Prize for outstanding political leadership.
The McKinnon Prize Shortlisting Committee and Selection Panel are responsible for the two-tiered selection process.
The McKinnon Prize is judged by a broad panel of esteemed former politicians – as well as a diverse group of business figures, journalists, and civil society leaders.
The McKinnon Prize also has a new Patron, with former Treasurer of Australia, The Hon Josh Frydenberg joining former Prime Minister Julia Gillard AC who has been a long-time supporter of the Prize.
“I am delighted to join The Hon Julia Gillard AC as Patron of the McKinnon Prize for outstanding political leadership,” Mr Frydenberg said.
“A prize that recognises and encourages leaders who apply their integrity and intellect, courage and conviction to the many challenges we face. In today’s uncertain world we need leaders with these qualities more than ever, as we strive to create a better future for all Australians.”
Susan McKinnon Foundation CEO Mike Baird said: “I am delighted to welcome Josh Frydenberg as the newest Patron of the Prize. His strong commitment to leadership is an excellent fit with the values of the Prize and we look forward to his support and guidance in the years ahead."
Former Productivity Commissioner Michael Brennan, who now heads up independent think tank e61 Institute, will chair the shortlisting committee.
“The McKinnon Prize's diverse judging panel proves consensus on what constitutes good political leadership is possible – even in polarised times,”
“The Prize’s rigorous, two-tiered selection process allows an incredible breadth of backgrounds in terms of life experiences and political perspectives.
“The unique make-up of the committee bridges the ideological divide and shows consensus is possible despite some of the daily divisions we may see in our politics.
Former Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet secretary Martin Parkinson AC will return as chair of the selection panel.
“This year’s panel brings an extraordinary mix of talented people from the political, business, media and the not-for-profit worlds,” Dr Parkinson, who is now Chancellor at Macquarie University, said.
“It’s rare to be in a room with a group that has such divergent political views yet is putting them firmly to one side to collaborate and achieve consensus.
“Our judging panel proves Australians do indeed share a common understanding of quality political leadership that crosses ideological lines and that our politics can be much more than base tribalism.”
Members of the McKinnon Prize Shortlisting Committee and Selection Panel are jointly appointed by the Susan McKinnon Foundation and the University of Melbourne.
McKinnon Prize Shortlisting Committee 2024:
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Michael Brennan, Chief Executive Officer, e61 Institute (Chair)
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Cherelle Murphy, Chief Economist, EY Oceania
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Troy Bramston, Senior Writer, The Australian
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Paul Sakkal, Federal Political Correspondent, Sydney Morning Herald & The Age
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Zara Seidler, Co-Founder, The Daily Aus
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Sean Sammon, Founder and Managing Director, York Park Group
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Catherine Douglas, Chief Executive Officer, CT Group
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Tom Switzer, Executive Director, Centre for Independent Studies
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Emma Dawson, Executive Director, Per Capita
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Bronwyn Pike AM, Chief Executive Officer, Uniting Vic.Tas
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John Scales, Founder, JWS Research
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Anthony Tran, former Mayor of the City of Maribyrnong and shortlisted nominee for the McKinnon Prize Emerging Leader 2022 and 2023
McKinnon Prize Selection Panel 2024:
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Martin Parkinson AC, Chancellor, Macquarie University (Chair)
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John Anderson AC, former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia
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Cathy McGowan AO, Chair, AgriFutures
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Luke Achterstraat, Chief Executive Officer, Council of Small Business Organisations Australia
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Patricia Karvelas, Presenter of ABC’s RN Breakfast, Q+A and the Party Room Podcast
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Peta Credlin AO, Host of Sky News Australia’s Credlin
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Geoff Gallop AC, former Premier of Western Australia
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Ashleigh Streeter-Jones, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Raise Our Voice Australia
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Travers McLeod, Chief Executive Officer, Brotherhood of St Laurence
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Dr Lois Peeler AM, Elder In Residence, Worawa Aboriginal College
ENDS
About the McKinnon Prize
The McKinnon Prize is Australia’s independent, non-partisan award for outstanding political leadership. It is a rare opportunity to recognise outstanding Australian political leadership, providing a crucial counterbalance to widespread mistrust and cynicism.
The McKinnon Prize was first awarded in 2017. Previous recipients include Senator David Pocock, Bridget Archer MP, Senator The Hon Penny Wong, Dr Helen Haines MP, The Hon Tony Smith, Mayor Teresa Harding, The Hon Greg Hunt and The Hon Dr Anne Aly.
The McKinnon Prize in Political Leadership is a collaboration between the Susan McKinnon Foundation and the University of Melbourne.
For more information and interview opportunities, please contact:
Matt Coughlan
Horton Advisory
0400 561 480
matt@hortonadvisory.com.au
Anil Lambert
Horton Advisory
0416 426 722
anil@hortonadvisory.com.au
