Monash University and the Susan McKinnon Foundation have announced the renewal of their philanthropic partnership to sustain and advance the McKinnon Institute for Political Leadership, with an investment of more than $25 million over five years from the Susan McKinnon Foundation.

The renewed commitment underscores a shared dedication to fostering high-quality political leadership and enhancing democracy in Australia.

The expanded partnership coincides with the announcement of Professor Rod Glover as the McKinnon Institute’s new Chief Executive Officer.

Professor Glover, the Institute’s inaugural Academic Director, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new leadership role, having played a pivotal role in establishing flagship programs and serving as a thought leader and policy adviser across the public service, politics and academia.

Co-founder of the Susan McKinnon Foundation, Grant Rule, said the new appointment will help continue the Institute’s leadership and impact.

“The McKinnon Institute for Political Leadership was founded on a bold idea – that Australia should aspire to have the best prepared and most capable political leaders in the world,” said Mr Rule.

“Rod has been absolutely critical in driving this bold idea into reality. I know he has exciting plans for the Institute and I’m really looking forward to seeing these plans progress.”

Since it was established in 2019, the Institute has delivered transformative programs to more than  25 per cent of current Members of Parliament across Australia, providing tailored coaching and mentoring as well as exposure to some of the world’s best policy experts.

Monash University Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Sharon Pickering, acknowledged and thanked the Susan McKinnon Foundation for its steadfast support for political leadership and generous contributions to the University’s ambitious fundraising campaign, Change It. For Future Generations.

“Monash University and the Susan McKinnon Foundation are uniquely positioned to enable our political leaders to address the most challenging and complex issues our society faces. This renewal of our partnership will enable the Institute to broaden and deepen the professional development of political leaders,” Professor Pickering said.

Professor Rod Glover thanked and acknowledged Monash University and the Susan McKinnon Foundation and said he was looking forward to the challenges and opportunities of his new role.

“The responsibilities of a Minister – of managing public resources responsibly and driving policy reform – are challenging. At the McKinnon Institute of Political Leadership it’s our vision that everyone who is ever given the honour of serving as a Minister is prepared and supported to deliver for the Australian community,” Professor Glover said.

The McKinnon Institute remains steadfastly not-for-profit and non-partisan, standing as Australia’s only organisation dedicated to enhancing the effectiveness of political leadership at federal, state and territory levels.