His ability and his background in terms of cabinet business and policy has got to be incredibly powerful and influential. – Sandra Harding He’s in cabinet, each of the cabinet sub-committees, including the national security committee, and advising Malcolm Turnbull. He’s the gatekeeper for what goes to cabinet and what comes out of cabinet. – Greg Combet Turnbull trusts Sinodinos and that makes him very powerful. – Ian Macfarlane

MEET THE 2016 POWER PANEL

01

Photo: Nic Walker

Arthur Sinodinos

Cabinet secretary 2015 ranking: None

Because: He has the trust of the Prime Minister and was key to Malcolm Turnbull getting the numbers to topple Tony Abbott and take power in September 2015. His role means he has the influential task of preparing, managing and ensuring the confidentiality of cabinet business, positioning him as an important gatekeeper for the Prime Minister. His career has risen phoenix-like from the political ashes after an inquiry conducted by the New South Wales Independent Commission Against Corruption found there was insufficient evidence that Sinodinos was involved in a secret political donation scandal. What the panel says: He has the Prime Minister’s ear. He’s the person who can help undo roadblocks. Also, he has so much intricate knowledge of the Howard years and how Howard conducted himself. Turnbull does respect how Howard conducted himself and to have that available to you would be a wonderful gift. Sinodinos can use that if he wants. – Amanda Vanstone He had a huge role in getting Turnbull there. He’s respected. – Tony Mitchelmore

Dominique Fisher Managing director of CareerLounge; non-executive director of Australia Post.

Each year The Australian Financial Review Magazine assembles a panel of high achievers from across a diverse range of sectors to help it assess who has won, lost and retained power in Australia in the past 12 months. Meet this year’s panel.

Sandra Harding Vice-chancellor and president of James Cook University.

Ian Macfarlane Chairman of the Innovative Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre; former Coalition industry minister.

Gary Gray Executive at Mineral Resources Ltd; former Labor resources and energy minister; former national secretary of the Australian Labor Party.

THE 2016 POWER PANEL

Ben Oquist Executive director of The Australia Institute; former Greens chief of staff.

Greg Combet Company director in funds management and banking; former Labor industry and climate change minister; former ACTU secretary.

Katrina Sedgwick Chief executive officer of the Australian Centre for the Moving Image; former head of arts at ABC TV.

Amanda Vanstone Fairfax columnist and Radio National presenter; former Coalition immigration minister; former ambassador to Italy.

Tony Mitchelmore Managing director of Visibility Consulting; qualitative researcher and campaign strategist.

Michael Stutchbury Editor-in-chief of The Australian Financial Review.

Nicola Wakefield Evans Non-executive director of Lendlease, Toll Holdings, Macquarie Group and Bupa Australia and New Zealand.

Martin Parkinson

02

Secretary, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet 2015 ranking: None

Because: An experienced and widely respected public servant, Parkinson holds a powerful role, one in which he ensures that each policy proposal put to the Prime Minister and cabinet is informed and co-ordinated within the government’s broader agenda. Parkinson is a former secretary of the Treasury department and a former Reserve Bank of Australia board member. He’s also served on multiple government boards and worked at the International Monetary Fund. What the panel says: He’s not only the pre-eminent public servant, he’s enormously intelligent and a significant contributor to public policy. In an environment of structural deficit issues and the necessity for tax reform, he’s extremely well qualified to help frame and provide advice that will assist the government – to the extent that it’s going to be tackled in Parliament. – Greg Combet He was a captain’s knock and a captain’s pick. He got knocked off by one prime minister, Tony Abbott, and brought back by another, Malcolm Turnbull. That’s a testament to somebody’s power and influence, if they’re able to come back like that. – Ben Oquist

He’s listened to right across the spectrum as a senior public servant. – Amanda Vanstone He’s a man of great integrity, experience and great policy nous. – Sandra Harding

Photo: Louis Douvis

Lucy Turnbull

03

Businesswoman 2015 ranking: None

Because: She’s the Prime Minister’s wife and his most trusted confidant. Turnbull is an experienced businesswoman, who is passionate about city planning, and is also a former lord mayor of Sydney. In Australia’s history there hasn’t been a prime minister’s wife of such achievement. Her many current roles include being chair of listed company Prima Biomed, chief commissioner of the Greater Sydney Commission, a director of the Grattan Institute and chief patron of the National Portrait Gallery. What the panel says: She has great political heritage. If you grow up in a political household, you live and breathe politics and that’s what Lucy has done. Malcolm is what he is because of Lucy. There’s just no way to overstate that. – Ian Macfarlane Malcolm trusts her more than anyone else in the whole world. She’s intellectual, she understands the game. If Arthur Sinodinos was saying let’s go left, and Lucy was saying let’s go right, I guarantee which way Malcolm would go. – Dominique Fisher

When she was chair of the Committee for Sydney she had a huge influence around the shaping of the CBD, on the decision-making of the state government and the City of Sydney Council. She is incredibly well-connected, well-networked and very, very articulate. She prosecutes the issues that she’s passionate about extremely well. She straddles a number of spheres of influence: government, business, local communities and interest groups, particularly in the property sector. Don’t underestimate her influence on her husband. – Nicola Wakefield Evans

Sally Cray

04

Principal private secretary to the Prime Minister 2015 ranking: None

Because: Cray is regarded as family by the Prime Minister and sits in a key role in his office. She is very much behind the scenes and is largely unknown to the general public. However, she has worked for Turnbull for almost a decade. When he was in opposition she worked for him in various shadow portfolios from environment to treasury, and when he was opposition leader. For a period she left government to work in corporate affairs at the ABC, before returning to Turnbull’s office in 2013 when he was communications minister.

What the panel says: She’s as close to Turnbull as Arthur Sinodinos was to John Howard. She and Liberal Party federal director Tony Nutt ran campaign headquarters during the 2016 federal election campaign. Nutt did the mechanics and Cray was the top of the pile. She’s a very good operator. Turnbull trusts her and relies on her. – Ian Macfarlane She was singled out by Turnbull in his speech on election night. – Ben Oquist She’s highly influential. She effectively runs the Prime Minister’s office. When you’re up against the wall you’ve got to know someone has got your back 100 per cent and that’s the relationship that Cray and Turnbull have. – Dominique Fisher

Because: Alongside Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce she will have a strong influence in setting policies and communicating them. Nash, who’s ambitious, is seen as providing a significant change to the Nationals often blokey public face. Moreover, she has a good working relationship with the Liberals, who see her as a strong Coalitionist. What the panel says: She’s the rising star. She’s firm and smart. – Amanda Vanstone She’s a good operator. She takes advice and realises she needs good people around her. She’ll be a steadying influence on Joyce. – Ian Macfarlane She’s very sensible and very engaged. It’s really about the potential that’s there. – Sandra Harding

Deputy Leader of the National Party 2015 ranking: None

Fiona Nash

05

Because: He’s been a business partner of Malcolm Turnbull’s and is one of his oldest friends. He is trusted and works outside of the political bubble. McWilliam, an executive of Kerry Stokes’ Seven Group, is a former partner of law firms Gilbert + Tobin and Turnbull McWilliam. He is well-connected within business circles, from where he’s able to give the Prime Minister a valued perspective. What the panel says: Turnbull listens to him. He’s very influential and has a very wide network. – Nicola Wakefield Evans Everybody has somebody who’s not in their direct workplace but is a trusted confidant. – Amanda Vanstone

Bruce McWilliam

06

Commercial director, Seven Network 2015 ranking: None

Managing director, CT Group 2015 ranking: None

Because: Despite the finger-pointing and blame following the federal election result by some elements within the Coalition, respected Liberal Party pollster Textor was highly influential in getting them re-elected. His research and experience would have helped determine and reinforce the issues to be campaigned upon. What the panel says: It’s the information he gathers and through that, the power he wields. – Sandra Harding Three of the most powerful words in politics are: “The research says ...”. The question is, as a result of this campaign, does he still have the ear of the Prime Minister and is he able to influence him? – Tony Mitchelmore

Mark Textor

His significance cannot ever be underrated, either his influence on the shaping of a political environment, or the advice he gives to corporates and other interested parties who seek his advice. – Gary Gray

07

George Wright

08

Former Australian Labor Party national secretary; incoming senior corporate affairs adviser, BHP Billiton 2015 ranking: None

Because: Wright has been ALP national secretary for five-and-a-half years and has also directed two federal election campaigns. A former ACTU chief of policy and communications, he helped bring his party closer to winning the 2016 election than anyone expected, including leading the highly damaging Medicare fight that hurt the Coalition. Wright joins corporate giant BHP Billiton in October in a government and community relations role. What the panel says: He ran an amazingly successful election campaign that everyone acknowledges was a triumph, even though they didn’t win. – Ben Oquist That Mediscare thing was incredibly clever. Giving out little leaflets at railway stations that looked like Medicare cards was devastatingly effective. – Amanda Vanstone

Because: He’s a respected and influential businessman who has mentored many leaders in corporate Australia. His advice is sought across business, politics and the arts. He sits on a multitude of business and arts boards, including as president of the trust that governs the Art Gallery of NSW. What the panel says: It’s his influence. You look at his positions and then you look at what he does – he doesn’t just say it, he actually does it. – Nicola Wakefield Evans His relationship with the Turnbulls will put him in quite an influential position. – Greg Combet He’s not frightened to say what he thinks and that’s the hallmark of someone seeking to make a positive contribution. – Sandra Harding

David Gonski

09

Chairman, ANZ Banking Group and Coca-Cola Amatil; Chancellor, University of NSW 2015 ranking: 7

10

What the panel says: He’s very close to both the state and federal governments and well connected throughout corporate Australia. He’s very influential in a very quiet, understated way. – Nicola Wakefield Evans He is consulted widely by both sides of Parliament and is respected. He’s that calm voice. – Sandra Harding

Chief executive officer, Macquarie Group 2015 ranking: None

Because: He’s one of the nation’s most influential CEOs, leading a homegrown powerhouse that has expanded globally to become one of the biggest investors and managers in infrastructure and funds management. Moore has spread his influence beyond Macquarie, holding significant board         roles in the arts and education sectors,                   including chairing the Sydney Opera                        House Trust and Screen Australia.

Nicholas Moore

Because: Movements such as GetUp!, Change.org and Lock the Gate have grown in size and influence, sucking in money that would traditionally have gone to mainstream parties. They’ve fragmented power, using social media to effect change. What the panel says: They’re getting money from young people who don’t want to give to the big parties. GetUp! did a great job in the campaign; it was damaging. – Tony Mitchelmore They will play a bigger and bigger role. I’m not sure we in the Coalition have got our counter to GetUp! but by geez we’re going to have to find it. – Ian Macfarlane They’ve stolen the agenda from political parties that don’t seem to be confident enough to articulate a position other than one straight down the middle. – Dominique Fisher

Activist movements

11

2015 ranking: None

12

Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade 2015 ranking: None

Because: She was previously a foreign policy adviser to Turnbull and a diplomat, including a former China ambassador. Her knowledge and experience of China and the workings of government will be very valuable as China increasingly flexes its military might on the international stage. Adamson has worked both sides of politics, having been chief of staff to former Labor foreign minister Stephen Smith. What the panel says: What’s the key foreign policy issue that we’ve been grappling with? It’s the South China Sea. Frances is extremely highly regarded. – Greg Combet China is our largest trading country. The Nationals and independents are going to put up huge roadblocks on Chinese foreign investment, particularly in agriculture and critical infrastructure. There are a lot of very tricky policy issues that she’s going to have to navigate. – Nicola Wakefield Evans She will have quite an impact. She’s in a key portfolio. She will report as much to Turnbull as she will to Julie Bishop. – Ian Macfarlane

Frances Adamson

Linda Burney, Patrick Dodson and Indigenous MPs

13

2015 ranking: 12 (Dodson)

Because: Australia’s Parliament now has the greatest representation of Indigenous members in its history, who will push issues relating to the improvement of health and education policy in disadvantaged regions, as well as for constitutional recognition. There are at least four Indigenous MPs – Ken Wyatt, Pat Dodson, Linda Burney and Malarndirri McCarthy – while others, such as Senator Jacqui Lambie, acknowledge their Indigenous ancestry. What the panel says: They’re going to be prominent and constitutional recognition is going to be big for 12 months-plus. – Ian Macfarlane They have the ability to influence with a common voice and there’s every potential that could happen. – Dominique Fisher

Because: Think tanks of all persuasions have been doing serious policy work over many years that has earned them the respect of politicians, business, the public service and voters. They contribute significantly to the political debate, and their influence has grown in recent times because of the instability in federal politics.

What the panel says: The reason why think tanks have more power now is because corporate Australia rarely takes proactive positions on policy anymore. Companies have all but gone quiet. – Dominique Fisher When a think tank such as the Grattan Institute comes out with a document it’s generally very credible policy commentary and policy proposals; you need to look at it and think about it. That’s quite influential in the public discourse. It makes a contribution to politicians and the public service thinking and in that way influences policy development. – Greg Combet

Think tanks

14

2015 ranking: 11 on the cultural list

Because: He’s the richest man in Australia, riding the crest of one of the country’s longest housing booms through his property company Meriton. The sheer scale of his enormous apartment developments across Australia’s major east-coast cities is reshaping the urban environment, and helping ease the chronic shortage of supply that has contributed to soaring property prices.

Harry Triguboff

What the panel says: He could be the new Kerry Packer. He’s someone with a lot of money who needs things to happen and there are a lot of issues, both at the state and federal level, affecting his business. He is going to be pushing and shoving. – Ian Macfarlane I’d nominate him for leading the biggest house building boom we’ve had in our history. This time it’s distinguished by being an apartment boom. Triguboff has become Australia’s richest person out of it and is reshaping our cities, especially Sydney. What an incredible migrant story. – Michael Stutchbury

15

​Founder and chairman, Meriton 2015 ranking: None

Because: He has the trust of the Prime Minister and was key to Malcolm Turnbull getting the numbers to topple Tony Abbott and take power in September 2015. His role means he has the influential task of preparing, managing and ensuring the confidentiality of cabinet business, positioning him as an important gatekeeper for the Prime Minister. His career has risen phoenix-like from the political ashes after an inquiry conducted by the New South Wales Independent Commission Against Corruption found there was insufficient evidence that Sinodinos was involved in a secret political donation scandal. What the panel says: He has the Prime Minister’s ear. He’s the person who can help undo roadblocks. Also, he has so much intricate knowledge of the Howard years and how Howard conducted himself. Turnbull does respect how Howard conducted himself and to have that available to you would be a wonderful gift. Sinodinos can use that if he wants. – Amanda Vanstone He had a huge role in getting Turnbull there. He’s respected. – Tony Mitchelmore His ability and his background in terms of cabinet business and policy has got to be incredibly powerful and influential. – Sandra Harding He’s in cabinet, each of the cabinet sub-committees, including the national security committee, and advising Malcolm Turnbull. He’s the gatekeeper for what goes to cabinet and what comes out of cabinet. – Greg Combet Turnbull trusts Sinodinos and that makes him very powerful. – Ian Macfarlane

Meet the 2016 Power Panel

Because: An experienced and widely respected public servant, Parkinson holds a powerful role, one in which he ensures that each policy proposal put to the Prime Minister and cabinet is informed and co-ordinated within the government’s broader agenda. Parkinson is a former secretary of the Treasury department and a former Reserve Bank of Australia board member. He’s also served on multiple government boards and worked at the International Monetary Fund. What the panel says: He’s not only the pre-eminent public servant, he’s enormously intelligent and a significant contributor to public policy. In an environment of structural deficit issues and the necessity for tax reform, he’s extremely well qualified to help frame and provide advice that will assist the government – to the extent that it’s going to be tackled in Parliament. – Greg Combet He was a captain’s knock and a captain’s pick. He got knocked off by one prime minister, Tony Abbott, and brought back by another, Malcolm Turnbull. That’s a testament to somebody’s power and influence, if they’re able to come back like that. – Ben Oquist He’s listened to right across the spectrum as a senior public servant. – Amanda Vanstone He’s a man of great integrity, experience and great policy nous. – Sandra Harding

Because: She’s the Prime Minister’s wife and his most trusted confidant. Turnbull is an experienced businesswoman, who is passionate about city planning, and is also a former lord mayor of Sydney. In Australia’s history there hasn’t been a prime minister’s wife of such achievement. Her many current roles include being chair of listed company Prima Biomed, chief commissioner of the Greater Sydney Commission, a director of the Grattan Institute and chief patron of the National Portrait Gallery. What the panel says: She has great political heritage. If you grow up in a political household, you live and breathe politics and that’s what Lucy has done. Malcolm is what he is because of Lucy. There’s just no way to overstate that. – Ian Macfarlane Malcolm trusts her more than anyone else in the whole world. She’s intellectual, she understands the game. If Arthur Sinodinos was saying let’s go left, and Lucy was saying let’s go right, I guarantee which way Malcolm would go. – Dominique Fisher When she was chair of the Committee for Sydney she had a huge influence around the shaping of the CBD, on the decision-making of the state government and the City of Sydney Council. She is incredibly well-connected, well-networked and very, very articulate. She prosecutes the issues that she’s passionate about extremely well. She straddles a number of spheres of influence: government, business, local communities and interest groups, particularly in the property sector. Don’t underestimate her influence on her husband. – Nicola Wakefield Evans

Because: Cray is regarded as family by the Prime Minister and sits in a key role in his office. She is very much behind the scenes and is largely unknown to the general public. However, she has worked for Turnbull for almost a decade. When he was in opposition she worked for him in various shadow portfolios from environment to treasury, and when he was opposition leader. For a period she left government to work in corporate affairs at the ABC, before returning to Turnbull’s office in 2013 when he was communications minister. What the panel says: She’s as close to Turnbull as Arthur Sinodinos was to John Howard. She and Liberal Party federal director Tony Nutt ran campaign headquarters during the 2016 federal election campaign. Nutt did the mechanics and Cray was the top of the pile. She’s a very good operator. Turnbull trusts her and relies on her. – Ian Macfarlane She was singled out by Turnbull in his speech on election night. – Ben Oquist She’s highly influential. She effectively runs the Prime Minister’s office. When you’re up against the wall you’ve got to know someone has got your back 100 per cent and that’s the relationship that Cray and Turnbull have. – Dominique Fisher

Principal private secretary to the Prime Minister 2015 ranking: None

Because: Alongside Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce she will have a strong influence in setting policies and communicating them. Nash, who’s ambitious, is seen as providing a significant change to the Nationals often blokey public face. Moreover, she has a good working relationship with the Liberals, who see her as a strong Coalitionist. What the panel says: She’s the rising star. She’s firm and smart. – Amanda Vanstone She’s a good operator. She takes advice and realises she needs good people around her. She’ll be a steadying influence on Joyce. – Ian Macfarlane She’s very sensible and very engaged. It’s really about the potential that’s there. – Sandra Harding

Managing director, CT Group 2015 ranking: None

Because: Despite the finger-pointing and blame following the federal election result by some elements within the Coalition, respected Liberal Party pollster Textor was highly influential in getting them re-elected. His research and experience would have helped determine and reinforce the issues to be campaigned upon. What the panel says: It’s the information he gathers and through that, the power he wields. – Sandra Harding Three of the most powerful words in politics are: “The research says ...”. The question is, as a result of this campaign, does he still have the ear of the Prime Minister and is he able to influence him? – Tony Mitchelmore His significance cannot ever be underrated, either his influence on the shaping of a political environment, or the advice he gives to corporates and other interested parties who seek his advice. – Gary Gray

Because: He’s a respected and influential businessman who has mentored many leaders in corporate Australia. His advice is sought across business, politics and the arts. He sits on a multitude of business and arts boards, including as president of the trust that governs the Art Gallery of NSW. What the panel says: It’s his influence. You look at his positions and then you look at what he does – he doesn’t just say it, he actually does it. – Nicola Wakefield Evans His relationship with the Turnbulls will put him in quite an influential position. – Greg Combet He’s not frightened to say what he thinks and that’s the hallmark of someone seeking to make a positive contribution. – Sandra Harding

Because: He’s one of the nation’s most influential CEOs, leading a homegrown powerhouse that has expanded globally to become one of the biggest investors and managers in infrastructure and funds management. Moore has spread his influence beyond Macquarie, holding significant board roles in the arts and education sectors,  including chairing the Sydney Opera House Trust and Screen Australia. What the panel says: He’s very close to both the state and federal governments and well connected throughout corporate Australia. He’s very influential in a very quiet, understated way. – Nicola Wakefield Evans He is consulted widely by both sides of Parliament and is respected. He’s that calm voice. – Sandra Harding

Because: Movements such as GetUp!, Change.org and Lock the Gate have grown in size and influence, sucking in money that would traditionally have gone to mainstream parties. They’ve fragmented power, using social media to effect change. What the panel says: They’re getting money from young people who don’t want to give to the big parties. GetUp! did a great job in the campaign; it was damaging. – Tony Mitchelmore They will play a bigger and bigger role. I’m not sure we in the Coalition have got our counter to GetUp! but by geez we’re going to have to find it. – Ian Macfarlane They’ve stolen the agenda from political parties that don’t seem to be confident enough to articulate a position other than one straight down the middle. – Dominique Fisher

Because: She was previously a foreign policy adviser to Turnbull and a diplomat, including a former China ambassador. Her knowledge and experience of China and the workings of government will be very valuable as China increasingly flexes its military might on the international stage. Adamson has worked both sides of politics, having been chief of staff to former Labor foreign minister Stephen Smith. What the panel says: What’s the key foreign policy issue that we’ve been grappling with? It’s the South China Sea. Frances is extremely highly regarded. – Greg Combet China is our largest trading country. The Nationals and independents are going to put up huge roadblocks on Chinese foreign investment, particularly in agriculture and critical infrastructure. There are a lot of very tricky policy issues that she’s going to have to navigate. – Nicola Wakefield Evans She will have quite an impact. She’s in a key portfolio. She will report as much to Turnbull as she will to Julie Bishop. – Ian Macfarlane

Because: Think tanks of all persuasions have been doing serious policy work over many years that has earned them the respect of politicians, business, the public service and voters. They contribute significantly to the political debate, and their influence has grown in recent times because of the instability in federal politics. What the panel says: The reason why think tanks have more power now is because corporate Australia rarely takes proactive positions on policy anymore. Companies have all but gone quiet. – Dominique Fisher When a think tank such as the Grattan Institute comes out with a document it’s generally very credible policy commentary and policy proposals; you need to look at it and think about it. That’s quite influential in the public discourse. It makes a contribution to politicians and the public service thinking and in that way influences policy development. – Greg Combet

2015 ranking: 11 on the cultural list

Because: He’s the richest man in Australia, riding the crest of one of the country’s longest housing booms through his property company Meriton. The sheer scale of his enormous apartment developments across Australia’s major east-coast cities is reshaping the urban environment, and helping ease the chronic shortage of supply that has contributed to soaring property prices. What the panel says: He could be the new Kerry Packer. He’s someone with a lot of money who needs things to happen and there are a lot of issues, both at the state and federal level, affecting his business. He is going to be pushing and shoving. – Ian Macfarlane I’d nominate him for leading the biggest house building boom we’ve had in our history. This time it’s distinguished by being an apartment boom. Triguboff has become Australia’s richest person out of it and is reshaping our cities, especially Sydney. What an incredible migrant story. – Michael Stutchbury

Covert

9. Gary Gray Executive at Mineral Resources Ltd; Former Labor resources and energy minister; former national secretary of the Australian Labor Party. 10. Greg Combet Company director in funds management and banking; former Labor industry and climate change minister; former ACTU secretary. 11. Tony Mitchelmore Managing director of Visibility Consulting; qualitative researcher and campaign strategist.

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1. Michael Stutchbury Editor-in-chief of The Australian Financial Review. 2. Sandra Harding Vice-chancellor and president of James Cook University. 3. Dominique Fisher Managing director of CareerLounge; non-executive director of Australia Post. 4. Ben Oquist Executive director of The Australia Institute; former Greens chief of staff .

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5. Katrina Sedgwick Chief executive officer of the Australian Centre for the Moving Image; former head of arts at ABC TV.

6. Ian Macfarlane Chairman of the Innovative Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre; former Coalition industry minister. 7. Nicola Wakefield Evans Non-executive director of Lendlease, Toll Holdings, Macquarie Group and Bupa Australia and New Zealand. 8. Amanda Vanstone Fairfax columnist and Radio National presenter; former Coalition immigration minister; former ambassador to Italy.

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The 2016 Power Panel

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Australian Financial Review Interactive infographic

Interactive infographic by Les Hewitt