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.

Effective Elected Representatives

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

Robust State Institutions

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

Quality Policy Dialogue

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

Latest news and releases

22 April 2025
Research

Report: Our political system needs an upgrade for our changing world

Major reform to the Commonwealth Parliament and government is needed to enable brave policy making, according to a landmark report prepared for McKinnon by two of Australia’s leading public policy thinkers. The Institutional Reform Stocktake report – authored by founding Chief Executive of the Grattan Institute, John Daley, and Rachel Krust, says many Commonwealth institutions […]
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14 April 2025
Research

Report: Opportunities to improve the operation and effectiveness of the Federal Parliament

The Federal Parliament is central to Australia’s system of representative democracy. It is crucial that it operates effectively, and that Australians retain trust in it, so our system of government meets   community expectations and serves the public interest.  The approach of a new Federal Parliamentary term is an opportune time to consider potential improvements.  The […]
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6 March 2025
Research

Discussion Paper: Four-Year Terms for the Commonwealth House of Representatives

Many commentators have observed that it has become increasingly difficult for governments in Australia to pursue reforms that are in the community’s long-term interests. This has prompted calls for Australia to extend the length of the term of the Commonwealth House of Representatives from three to four years to give governments additional time and stability […]
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