The response to Artificial Intelligence, moral clarity and a substantive contribution to public debate, particularly across national security, foreign interference and cybersecurity, were among the reasons cited by judges in naming the winners of the 2025 McKinnon Prize, Australia’s independent, non-partisan award for outstanding political leadership.
The trio, selected by a panel of distinguished Australians, are:
- Andrew Charlton Cabinet Secretary, Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy
- Chris Minns, NSW Premier
- James Paterson, Victorian Senator
The McKinnon Prize is delivered in partnership between the Susan McKinnon Foundation and the University of Melbourne and has been awarded annually since 2017. The Prize was established to recognise political leaders from all levels of government who have driven positive impact through their vision, collaboration, courage and ethical behaviour.
Dr Andrew Charlton – McKinnon Emerging Political Leader of the Year
The selection panel recognised Dr Charlton’s work in shaping Australia’s response to Artificial Intelligence at a moment when the stakes for the country could not be higher.
It said Dr Charlton’s work on AI stood out for its seriousness, depth and long-term thinking. At a time when governments worldwide are struggling to respond to the economic and strategic implications of AI, the panel said Dr Charlton has brought genuine intellectual weight to the debate. His work has consistently focused on the difficult questions shaping Australia’s future: productivity, economic sovereignty, jobs, capability and national security.
A Rhodes Scholar and PhD economist, Dr Charlton has already built a successful business and served as a senior economic adviser at the highest levels of government.
“Dr Charlton could have stayed in the private sector and had a highly successful career. He chose public service instead, and Australia benefits from that decision.”
— McKinnon Prize Selection Panel
The panel said this decision continues to shape the way Dr Charlton approaches public life. With a successful career already behind him, he entered politics from a position of achievement rather than ambition alone, bringing a broader perspective and a strong sense of public purpose to the role.
“The panel was struck by his policy depth and his integrity. There is a clear alignment between what he says publicly and how he conducts himself. That is rare, and it matters.”
— McKinnon Prize Selection Panel
A Special Commendation was awarded to NSW MP Dan Repacholi for his community advocacy for men’s health, an issue that remains badly underfunded and underserved across Australia.
NSW Premier Chris Minns – McKinnon Political Leader of the Year – State/Territory
NSW Premier Chris Minns was recognised for the calm authority he demonstrated following the December 2025 Bondi terror attack and for what the selection panel described as his “clear moral clarity” in responding to rising antisemitism.
The panel said Premier Minns stood “head and shoulders above the field” for the steadiness, clarity and consistency he demonstrated during a period of heightened tension and national grief.
“It is easy to speak clearly when there is no risk in doing so. Leadership is tested when the pressure arrives. Premier Minns showed a willingness to say what needed to be said, plainly and without qualification.”
— McKinnon Prize Selection Panel
The panel also highlighted his response to antisemitism as a defining feature of his leadership.
At a time when many political leaders internationally had retreated into ambiguity or cautious language, the panel said he was prepared to draw clear moral lines and defend social cohesion directly.
“Premier Minns did not hedge, soften or equivocate. He called antisemitism out directly and consistently and understood that political leadership sometimes requires clarity before consensus.”
— McKinnon Prize Selection Panel
The panel said his leadership during the period reflected a broader quality often missing in modern politics: the ability to provide social stability during moments of fear and division. In recognising him with the award, the panel said the prize was intended not simply to acknowledge crisis management, but the importance of political leaders being prepared to offer clarity, restraint and moral confidence when public trust is under strain.
A Special Commendation was awarded to Tasmanian Ruth Forrest MLC, recognising two decades of relentless advocacy for transparency, fiscal accountability and integrity in public life.
The panel described Ms Forrest’s contribution to the Tasmanian Parliament as “an enduring contribution to democratic standards in Australia”.
Senator James Paterson – McKinnon Named Federal Political Leader of the Year
Senator James Paterson was recognised for his disciplined and substantive contribution to public debate, particularly across national security, foreign interference, cybersecurity and democratic integrity.
The selection panel said Senator Paterson stood out for the discipline and rigour he brings to the role of Opposition and for consistently elevating the standard of parliamentary scrutiny and debate.
The panel said Senator Paterson has built a reputation as one of the most prepared and policy-focused figures in Canberra, combining intellectual rigour with a clear understanding of the institutional role opposition plays in a healthy democracy.
“We cannot have strong government without strong opposition. Senator Paterson represents the best of that tradition: rigorous, informed and focused on outcomes rather than performance.”
— McKinnon Prize Selection Panel
The panel highlighted his work across complex national security and democratic integrity issues, noting his willingness to engage deeply with policy detail rather than rely on slogans or political point scoring.
“Senator Paterson asks serious questions, engages seriously with the answers and approaches public debate with discipline and purpose. The country is better governed when opposition operates at this level.”
— McKinnon Prize Selection Panel
The panel said the award was intended not only to recognise Senator Paterson personally, but to reinforce the importance of high-quality parliamentary opposition within Australia’s democratic system.
A Special Commendation was awarded to Senator David Pocock for his constructive crossbench contribution and his advocacy for lobbying reform, an issue the panel said carries significant political risk.
This year’s Selection Panel comprised of:
- John Anderson AC FTSE (Chair) – Former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia
- Rev Tim Costello AO – Executive Director, Micah Australia and Director, Ethical Voice
- Peta Credin AO – Political Commentator, Sky News Australia
- Caitlin Figueiredo, Co-Chair, Australian Youth Affairs Coalition
- Emeritus Professor Geoff Gallop AC FASS, Former Premier of Western Australia
- Nick Greiner AC, Former Premier of New South Wales
- Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz AM, Chair of the National Housing Supply and Affordability Council
- Patricia Karvelas, Host of RN Breakfast, ABC Radio
- Benson Saulo, Former Liberal Candidate for Macnamara
- Kylea Tink, Former Independent MP and Chief Executive Officer, Foodbank Australia
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