McKell Institute Queensland

The McKell Institute is a progressive research institute dedicated to providing practical and innovative solutions to contemporary policy challenges.

Meet Our Executive Director

Sarah Mawhinney

Sarah Mawhinney has worked in the highest levels of politics and the union movement. Sarah is dedicated her working life to promoting an equal and inclusive society that includes fairness at work by making a tangible difference and creating change in the lives of Australians.

Sarah has formerly served as a Senior Policy Advisor in the office of the Queensland Treasurer, the Hon. Cameron Dick and was the Assistant State Secretary of the Australian Labor Party.

Sarah’s career history includes a combined 15 years’ experience working within the Australian Labor Party, the Transport Workers Union and the Queensland Government.

Our Other Directors

Hon Rachel Nolan

Chair, Queensland Advisory Board

Marianna O’Gorman

Director - Queensland Advisory Board

Amanda Newman

Director - Queensland Advisory Board

Daniel Cheverton

Director - Queensland Advisory Board

Mary Crawford

Director - QLD Advisory Board

Justin Power

Director – Queensland Advisory Board

Evan Moorhead

Director – Queensland Advisory Board

Research & Analysis

All
February 2026
// AUS, NSW, QLD, SA, VIC, WA
reports
Funding Fairer Housing
A levy on unproductive land worth over $20m could deliver a 10 per cent stamp...
October 2024
// QLD
reports
A Healthy Queensland: A snapshot of the Queensland health sector
In this policy briefing we take a snapshot of the Queensland health system.
October 2024
// QLD
reports
Gig work and reform of workers’ compensation and rehabilitation in Queensland
This report investigates issues facing Queensland’s workers’ compensation laws in relation to gig workers.

The Latest

Events