An Independent senator and Liberal back-bencher have been recognised for outstanding political leadership in this year’s McKinnon Prize.
The ACT’s David Pocock and Tasmania’s Bridget Archer were named winners of the 2023 McKinnon Prize on Monday.
The McKinnon Prize has been awarded since 2017 and recognises political leaders from all levels of government who have driven positive impact through their vision, collaboration, courage and ethical behaviour.
Bass MP Archer took out the mantle of political leader of the year. She was lauded for her longstanding courage and her collaborative approach to policy discussions which frequently sought to include the voices of young people in policy discussions.
“From the day I was elected I committed to being a genuine and authentic representative for the people of Bass,” Archer said.
“As members of federal parliament, we are in the unique position to lead the conversation and ensure all voices are heard.
“I will continue to speak out against gendered violence and call for the elimination of violence against women and children.”
Archer vowed to continue advocacy on issues such as providing adequate mental health services across Australia, and ensuring the most vulnerable in our society were protected.
“It is a prestigious group I am joining the ranks of and I am very honoured,” she said.
Panel judges for this year’s awards featured a lineup of eminent Australians and former mandarins, including Martin Parkinson, Renee Leon, and Alan Finkel.
Former PM&C secretary Martin Parkinson said it was appropriate for Archer to be recognised after years of consistently impressing the McKinnon judging panel.
“Ms Archer has consistently demonstrated rare courage by standing up for her principles and the interests of her constituents, even when this has put her at odds with her party and threatened her career,” Parkinson said.
“Through all this, her dedication and commitment to her party is clear and the panel noted how she has worked tirelessly to drive reforms from within.”
Meanwhile, Pocock was recognised as the 2023 emerging political leader for his values-driven approach to handling his balance of power position in the upper house and his commitment to genuinely listening to and appraising competing perspectives.
Commenting on his award, senator Pocock said it was an honour to be recognised for representing his ACT community.
“People in the ACT have shown political leadership for decades, from their support for renewable energy and strong action on climate change to marriage equality and more recently in the Voice referendum.
“What I have been able to achieve so far in the senate reflects their energy and determination to work towards a better future for all,” Pocock said.
The senator added that he brought a collaborative attitude to his role on the crossbench, informed by a belief that people had more in common than the sum of their differences.
“We are facing huge challenges as communities, as a nation and globally it’s more important than ever to find ways to work together to solve them,” Pocock said.
“Being accessible, accountable and putting people first, above politics, is what I committed to doing. I think they’re values Australians want to see.”
Dr Finkel described Pocock’s political style as “a fine example” of the values the McKinnon prize. The panel regarded the senator’s community and charity work very highly, he added, as well as Pocock’s principled stances on political issues, such as his refusal to marry until gay marriage was legalised in 2017.
“We hope awarding this year’s prize to Senator Pocock helps promote the excellent example he sets at a time when so many populist ‘strongman’ leaders command headlines on the global stage,” the former chief scientist said.
“He genuinely listens to stakeholders and attempts to balance competing interests in good faith.”
The independent prize is a collaboration between the Susan McKinnon Foundation and the University of Melbourne.
AgriFutures chair Cathy McGowan, Tyro and Xero CEO David Thodey, Beyond Blue CEO Georgie Harman, AFL executive general manager inclusion & social policy Tanya Hosch, journalist Patricia Karvelas, COSBOA CEO Luke Achterstraat, Rais our Voice Australia CEO Ashleigh Streeter-Jones, and former politicians Arthur Sinodinos and Jay Weatherill were also members of this year’s selection panel.
Recipients of the McKinnon state and territory political leader of 2023 will be named next week.
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