Tim Watts (Gellibrand, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I want to take the opportunity to celebrate one of the good news stories in Australian democracy and thank the people that made it happen. The McKinnon Institute for Political Leadership was established to support Australian political leaders, state and federal, to become more capable, effective and legitimate policymakers while also cultivating a sense of stewardship in our democratic institutions. It was established with the extraordinary vision of Grant Rule, Sophie Oh and Sam Mellett from the Susan McKinnon Foundation, with the objective of building a world-class, structured professional development program for Australian political leaders. It has been an extraordinary success. MKI has delivered over 30 programs, including its flagship Advanced Political Leadership course, leadership coaching, political mentoring and international study. These programs aren't just world class; they are world leading. Of the 91 McKinnon scholars who have participated in programs to date, 24 are currently ministers and 32 are shadow ministers.

There are a lot of people who have made significant contributions to the success of this institution, but I want to pay special tribute today to Rod Glover. Rod has variously been the CEO, academic director and professor of political leadership at McKinnon Institute. He recently announced his resignation after six years at MKI. Rod's policy expertise, professional dedication, personal generosity and earnest belief in both best practice policymaking and the practice of democracy have left a lasting impression on all members who have participated in MKI programs. Rod is usually the kind of person who works in the background of politics and government, outside of the public eye, but I want to take the opportunity to thank him here publicly today. In working with the team at MKI to build this institution into what it is today, he's made a significant long-term contribution to the quality of the democracy that we all share.

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