Australians still seek vision from political leaders, despite short-term challenges

Despite a challenging year for political leaders, a poll of 1000 Australians shows an increase in the number of people who consider political leaders to be exceeding expectations, up from 15 per cent in 2021, to 25 per cent in 2022.

The IPSOS poll* also shows Australians have lifted their gaze to the horizon when it comes to their expectations of political leaders, seeking vision and long-term thinking from our politicians.

The McKinnon Prize in Political Leadership, an initiative of the University of Melbourne and the Susan McKinnon Foundation, recognises political leaders at all levels of government. The McKinnon Prize seeks to highlight the importance of political leadership and generate discussion on expectations on political leadership in Australia.

The equivalent poll conducted by the McKinnon Prize in 2021 reflected Australia’s state of emergency. The poll showed Australians valued leaders who had showed decisiveness, problem-solving ability and courage, above all other attributes. Twelve months later, it is the ability to communicate a vision (33%) and inspire hope in the community (30%) which is most valued by respondents.

Mike Baird AO, former New South Wales Premier and a long-serving member of the McKinnon Prize selection panel, said the results reflect the complex challenges political leaders face, but he reiterated a real opportunity exists for politicians who can meet the desire of Australians for a bolder vision and long-term perspective.

“For the first time in some years, Australians appear to be more open to a leader with genuine vision. While we still face many problems domestically and internationally, leaders must try more than ever to balance responsible solutions to our short-term issues with a policy idea that will benefit our children, and their children,” Mr Baird said.

The poll also found nearly two-thirds (63%) of Australians expect political leaders to play an active role in responding to the cost of living crisis, but more than 50 per cent believe our political leaders had not done enough so far.

The McKinnon Prize is an independent, non-partisan award which recognises and applauds outstanding political leadership across the political spectrum annually.

“Right now, I believe Australians want to see our leaders thinking long-term, to ensure our nation is on the right path for the future. This is always politically challenging, but it represents an exciting opportunity,” Mr Baird said.

“There has never been a better time for politicians to demonstrate what it means to be an outstanding leader and reiterate their vision for their region, their state and our nation.”

Former Labor Government Minister Simon Crean, who has worked closely with the McKinnon Prize over recent years, said “the expectations that Australians have of political leaders are a real reflection of the time.”

“The recent federal election saw a significant vote for change. The Australian electorate was strategic in the way it expressed it. It was a vote for stronger action on climate change, as well as a call for greater integrity and respect on all sides of politics.”

“Whilst the jury is still out, early polling suggests that people have noticed a change in the tone of politics and have been encouraged by the signs so far – even those who did not vote for the Government. This is the context in which the 2022 McKinnon Prize will be determined,” Mr Crean said.

“I encourage Australians to reflect on the character and achievements of their local, state, territory and federal leaders. Good things are happening, and it’s this leadership which the McKinnon Prize seeks to recognise.”

Nominations for The McKinnon Political Leader of the Year and Emerging Political Leader of the Year are now open.

Visit the McKinnon Prize website to nominate and find out more about the Prize.

*This data collection was conducted by Porter Novelli for The McKinnon Prize, using Ipsos’ DIY (Do-It-Yourself) self-serve platform, FastFacts.  See Terms and Conditions of FastFacts use.