It would be foolish to try to pin down the identity of Australia’s most powerful board. But here’s a wager well taken: it’s not on the Australian Securities Exchange.
For sheer firepower-per-board-seat, little can match the might of Australia’s heftiest not-for-profit institutions, which for decades have leant on society’s wealthiest and well-connected for the best governance money can’t buy. In return, such boards offer a potent mix of status and elite access. And, occasionally, a crisis or two, which for those passionate enough about these things has proven no deterrent at all.
This article was amended to reflect the appointment of David Gallop at Venues New South Wales, which occurred after this article went to print but before its publication.
