Power 50: Waning influence of the big names who dropped off the list

The Advertiser’s Power 50 list is a good reminder that power can be a fickle bedfellow. Who rose, who slipped back, and who fell off completely? See the winners and losers of this year’s list.

Some big names have fallen of our Power 50 list this year. Artwork Steve Grice/ The Advertiser.

The Advertiser’s Power 50 list is not good news for everyone. For some it could be a reminder that influence and power can be a fickle bedfellow.

A variety of big names have fallen off The Advertiser’s Power 50 list of the most influential South Australians.

Some remain remarkably influential within South Australian circles but the changing nature of the list reflects, in part, how the coronavirus pandemic has reshaped our state.

Possibly the most unexpected fall from grace is that of former deputy premier Vickie Chapman. Ms Chapman was ranked 16 when the list was last published in February 2020 and would have likely risen in the rankings after an active spell as Attorney-General which saw changes to laws surrounding long-term controversial issues including abortion and assisted dying that defeated previous parliaments.

Former South Australian Deputy Premier Vickie Chapman flanked by reports after leaving a media conference Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Mariuz

However, Ms Chapman was embroiled in conflict-of-interest allegations surrounding her decision to reject a new deepwater port proposal on Kangaroo Island.

The former deputy premier has rejected the allegations, but parliament suspended Chapman for six days for deliberately misleading the house.

Ms Chapman resigned as planning and local government minister and delegated her powers as AG. The state’s ombudsman is also examining the matter.

Others have fallen off the list because they have assumed a lower profile or moved onto different jobs, with different responsibilities.

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE THE ADVERTISER’S 2021 POWER 50

BAE Systems Australia chief executive Gabby Costigan is no longer on the list, not because she is any less important but because her fellow BAE executive Craig Lockhart has direct oversight of the $35b future frigate program that will start construction at the Osborne Naval Shipyard next year.

Celebrity chef Jock Zonfrillo is off the list after closing his restaurants and leaving the state. This week he settled a long-running dispute with property tycoon Steve Maras for debts associated with a wine bar in the East End.

Ex-lister Jock Zonfrillo. Picture: Jacqui Way

Former Federal Police Commissioner Mick Keelty made the list last time after being asked by the state government to report on the state’s bushfire preparedness and because of his position as inspector-general of the Murray Darling Basin, which he no longer holds.

Former astronaut Andy Thomas has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and has assumed a lower profile, while ophthalmologist James Muecke’s time as Australian of the Year came to an end.

The career of BHP executive Laura Tyler continued on its upward trajectory within the company but took her in a direction away from the Power 50.

In September last year, Ms Tyler was appointed BHP’s chief technical officer, which meant she was longer in charge of the massive Olympic Dam mine at Roxy Down’s in the state’s far north.

Infrastructure SA chair Tony Shepherd has been keeping a lower profile and, anyway, as chairman of Venues NSW, which runs the SCG, recently put up a proposal against the Adelaide Oval’s bid to hold the fifth Ashes test next year. Neither venue was ultimately successful.