Strengthening
Australia’s Democracy

We incubate, deliver and support practical improvements to help Australia achieve a more fit-for-purpose political, policy and service delivery system.

Effective government is the crucial enabler of opportunity.

Our goal is for governments to be more transparent, accountable and inclusive. The foundation supports practical programs that deliver tangible progress and our work is motivated solely by the long-term public good. Our approach is non-partisan and is undertaken in cooperation with all sides of politics.

We want Australia to have the world’s most effective governments focused on the long-term interests of the Australian community.

We invest in long-term transformational initiatives, support bold ideas, and enlist the cooperation of Australians from across the political system.

We focus on three areas – fostering robust state institutions, developing and inspiring effective leaders, and encouraging quality policy dialogue.

We believe positive leadership is crucial in a high-functioning democracy.

We believe strong, effective and apolitical public institutions are vital assets for a thriving democracy.

We believe that good policy making is rigorous, non-ideological and implementation focused.

Latest news and releases

3 December 2024
News

Diverse group of eminent Australians to decide McKinnon Prize for political leadership

The McKinnon Prize Shortlisting Committee and Selection Panel for 2024 will bring a diverse array of experts and leaders together to decide the award for outstanding political leadership. A diverse group of expert Australians from across the ideological divide will decide this year’s McKinnon Prize for outstanding political leadership. The McKinnon Prize Shortlisting Committee and […]
29 November 2024
Research

McKinnon Poll: Understanding partisanship, polarisation and social cohesion in Australia 2024

Australians have expressed strong support for the nation’s democratic system, according to the latest McKinnon Poll from the Susan McKinnon Foundation. However, there were emerging areas for concern particularly around whether the public perceives that we are becoming more divided, and levels of support for undemocratic practices including encouraging or using violence, sending threatening or […]
20 November 2024
News

Latest McKinnon Poll reveals state of social cohesion and polarisation in Australia

Australians have expressed strong support for the nation’s democratic system, according to the latest McKinnon Poll from the Susan McKinnon Foundation. The McKinnon Poll, conducted by JWS Research, surveyed 3000 voters (national sample, demographically weighted) on their attitudes to political polarisation and social cohesion. The survey was conducted in late July 2024. Six in 10 […]