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Penny Wong. Source: AAP
Gong for Wong
University of Melbourne panel names Australia’s
political leaders of the year.
By Dallas Bastian
A
s New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern received
global praise for her actions and dialogue following the
terror attack on mosques in Christchurch, questions about
the quality of Australia’s leadership deepened.
Comparisons between Ardern and local political leaders have
been made on social media and in some leading newspapers, but
the University of Melbourne and Susan McKinnon Foundation have
suggested there are some homegrown leaders also worth noting.
Senators Penny Wong and Jordon Steele-John have been
named the political leaders of the year for their work in 2018.
University of Melbourne provost Mark Considine, who chaired
the prize’s selection panel, said the awards recognise politicians
who have successfully tackled vital issues of public policy,
overcome adversity and achieved real change for the public good.
“The winners of the 2018 McKinnon Prize for Political Leadership
are leaders who have not only achieved important results, but
who have carried themselves with great dignity and balance,”
Considine said.
Wong nabbed the title of 2018 McKinnon Political Leader of the
Year for her work promoting a more tolerant and inclusive Australia
and for shaping the country’s foreign policy dialogue.
Former prime minister Julia Gillard, who formed part of the
selection panel along with fellow former PM John Howard and
business, political, education and sporting leaders, noted Wong’s
“presence” and “gravitas”.
“I think Penny Wong is the perfect recipient for the McKinnon
Prize because of her … ability to bring people together and to
guide the nation through complex debates including in the past
12 months on foreign policy, trade policy and also what response
we should make as a nation when there are racist statements,”
Gillard said.
Accepting her award, Wong said many Australians have lost faith
in their representatives.
“Around the world democratic principles are being challenged,”
she said. “But it is democracy which enables the betterment of our
community and the protection of rights. So we must step forward
to defend it, in principle and in action, at home and internationally.
That is why I am grateful for the establishment of the McKinnon
Prize, and honoured to receive it.”
Steele-John – who was named the McKinnon Emerging
Political Leader of the Year, which is handed out to politicians who
have spent fewer than five years in office, for his leadership on
disability advocacy – said it is time to acknowledge that Australia’s
political system is made up largely of people whose lives and
experiences look nothing like those of the community they are
supposed to serve.
“I accept this award not as a senator but as a proud disabled
man and youth rights activist who now has the honour of bringing
the voices and demands of our movement to the heart of the
Australian democracy,” he said.
“To tackle the very real challenges of our time – from climate
change to economic inequality to political corruption – diversity
and equality must be at the heart of our politics.”
Gillard pinpointed Steele-John’s political campaigning for a royal
commission on disability.
“I think he has brought to the Australian Senate his personal
story, his personal convictions and his ability to then turn them
into public policy that makes a difference, and I think the nation
will learn a lot about ourselves and what we need to do next
through a royal commission on disability,” Gillard said.
Howard said both winners were very worthy and had made a
great contribution to the country.
“It’s a prize well worth honouring, and I hope in future years it
continues to attract a wide range of nominees,” he said. ■
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