Premium Content:

Penny Wong awarded McKinnon Prize for Political Leadership

Labor senator Penny Wong has been awarded the 2019 McKinnon Prize for Political Leadership.

- Advertisement -

The annual prize is an initiative of the Susan McKinnon Foundation and the University of Melbourne’s School of Government.

In awarding the 50-year-old politician the prize the organisers said it was “for her leadership and advocacy in promoting a more tolerant and inclusive Australia, and for shaping Australia’s foreign policy dialogue” in her role as Labor’s foreign affairs spokeswoman – and possibly Australia’s next foreign minister.

The award was conferred by an esteemed panel of judges including former prime ministers Julia Gillard and John Howard, Business Council chief executive Jennifer Westacott, former Defence secretary Dennis Richardson and the University of Melbourne’s Provost Mark Considine.

The inaugural prize was given last year to Liberal senator Dean Smith. Like Smith, Wong was at the forefront of the marriage equality debate and is one of the most prominent members of the LGBTIQ+ communities in the country.

Greens senator Jordon Steele-John was named as the McKinnon Emerging Political Leader of the Year for his advocacy on disability issues. The Western Australian senator has been at the forefront of calls for a Royal Commission into disability services in Australia.

OIP Staff


Latest

Ricky Martin leaves the west coast off his tour itinerary

If you want to see the Latin superstar book a ticket to the east.

Bangarra Dance Theatre will return to Perth this July

The dance company will return to WA for shows in Perth and Albany.

Dani Laidley reveals she’s been diagnosed with rare brain tumour

"When you say brain tumour it’s like getting hit over the head with a sledgehammer.” Laidley said of the moment she was diagnosed.

On This Gay Day | Blues singer Lucille Bogan was born in 1897

Lucile Bogan's songs were filled with suggestive lyrics.

Newsletter

Don't miss

Ricky Martin leaves the west coast off his tour itinerary

If you want to see the Latin superstar book a ticket to the east.

Bangarra Dance Theatre will return to Perth this July

The dance company will return to WA for shows in Perth and Albany.

Dani Laidley reveals she’s been diagnosed with rare brain tumour

"When you say brain tumour it’s like getting hit over the head with a sledgehammer.” Laidley said of the moment she was diagnosed.

On This Gay Day | Blues singer Lucille Bogan was born in 1897

Lucile Bogan's songs were filled with suggestive lyrics.

OPINION | Calling allies to step up and be seen this Trans Day of Visibility

Rebecca Bennett (she/her) is the Pro Vice Chancellor Equity Diversity and Inclusion at Murdoch University.

Ricky Martin leaves the west coast off his tour itinerary

If you want to see the Latin superstar book a ticket to the east.

Bangarra Dance Theatre will return to Perth this July

The dance company will return to WA for shows in Perth and Albany.

Dani Laidley reveals she’s been diagnosed with rare brain tumour

"When you say brain tumour it’s like getting hit over the head with a sledgehammer.” Laidley said of the moment she was diagnosed.