McKinnon Prize selection panel revealed

A former Prime Minister, a former Chief of the Australian Defence Force and a former New South Wales Premier are some of the leaders who will select the 2019 McKinnon Prize in Political Leadership.

Julia Gillard, Sir Angus Houston and Mike Baird will be joined on the selection panel by political, business and social leaders including:

• Professor Mark Considine, Provost, University of Melbourne (Chair);
• Grant Rule, founder of the Susan McKinnon Foundation;
• Leigh Clifford AO, former Chair of Qantas Airways;
• Laura John, National President of the United Nations Association of Australia's Young Professionals Network;
• Sabra Lane, ABC reporter and President of the National Press Club;
• Peta Credlin, Sky political commentator; and
• Deidre Wilmot, former Chief Executive Officer, Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Western Australia.

The McKinnon Prize Chair, Professor Mark Considine said the selection panel represents a diverse group of leaders from many walks of life.

“The McKinnon Prize selection panel is an impressive mix of people who have demonstrated their own unique leadership qualities throughout their careers. I look forward to working with the panel and drawing on their experiences to assess each nomination and decide the leaders who will be awarded this year’s McKinnon Prize.”

The McKinnon Prize in Political Leadership recognises politicians who have demonstrated outstanding leadership on a significant public policy issue through courageous and collaborative action and is offered in two categories: the McKinnon Political Leader of the Year, for politicians with at least five years in office, and the McKinnon Emerging Political Leader of the Year, for those with less than five years in office.

The 2018 McKinnon Political Leader of the Year was Senator Penny Wong and the 2018 McKinnon Emerging Political Leader of the Year was Senator Jordon Steele-John.

This year’s winners will speak at The McKinnon Prize in Political Leadership Oration in March 2020, where they will be awarded a trophy of recognition. The McKinnon Emerging Political Leader will also receive $20 000 to be used for professional development and growth.

Nominations will remain open until 5 December 2019. For further information and to nominate visit www.mckinnonprize.org.au.