ACT Opposition Leader Elizabeth Lee has been recognised as one of Australia's emerging political leaders.
The Canberra Liberals leader has been nominated for the 2020 McKinnon Emerging Political Leader of the Year award.
Ms Lee has been acknowledged for speaking out against sexual harassment and racism.
The awards recognise two Australian leaders each year - an emerging leader and a political leader. It is a collaboration between the Susan McKinnon Foundation and the University of Melbourne.
Ms Lee has been nominated for the emerging political leader award alongside federal independent MPs Zali Steggall and Helen Haines, as well as federal Labor MP Anne Aly.
ACT Deputy Opposition Leader Giulia Jones wasn't surprised by Ms Lee's nomination.
"Elizabeth is the first Asian-Australian leader of a major political party in Australia and a worthy nominee of this award," she said.
"Elizabeth has spent much of her career working as a lawyer and academic, teaching future generations at ANU and the University of Canberra.
"Now as the first female leader of the Canberra Liberals in 20 years, Elizabeth is a passionate advocate for all people in the ACT, particularly vulnerable Canberrans."
The 2020 political leader of the year nominees include Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, Health Minster Greg Hunt, Indigenous Australians Minister Ken Wyatt, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews and NSW Environment Minister Matt Kean.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian won the 2019 McKinnon Prize and Melbourne lord Mayor Sally Capp won the emerging political leader of the year.
The winners of the prize will be announced in March.
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