This year’s winners are NSW premier, Gladys Berejiklian and lord mayor of Melbourne Sally Capp

The prizes were established in 2017, “recognising those who have driven positive change and sparking a national conversation about the role of politicians and our aspirations for leadership in Australia,” (CMM November 28 2017)

Premier Berejiklian is honoured for successfully managing an abortion law reform bill through parliament, although opposed by half the members of her state parliamentary Liberal Party.

Lord Mayor Capp’s prize is for her leadership of the city after predecessor Robert Doyle’s resignation following sexual harassment allegations, which he denied.