There's another name on top of the Financial Review Rich List - and that's just the start of how coronavirus has reshaped the fortunes of Australia's wealthiest people.
Andrew Forrest, left, and Gina Rinehart have ridden the iron ore boom while software developers Mike Cannon-Brookes, centre, and Scott Farquhar, right, have won from the work-at-home revolution. David Rowe
Surging iron ore prices and a tech sector that has thrived during the coronavirus shock have led to a dramatic shakeout at the top of the Financial Review Rich List, dropping former number one Anthony Pratt out of a top five that is now as wealthy as the next 15 people combined.
A look at the top 20 reveals Gina Rinehart's fortune has leapt a staggering 53 per cent to $21.2 billion, making her Australia's wealthiest person in the immediate aftermath of the worst market turmoil since the global financial crisis. The worldwide lockdown and resulting work-at-home revolution have pushed software developers Mike Cannon-Brookes and Scott Farquhar into the top three with fortunes above $18 billion.
Michael BaileyArts & Culture editorMichael Bailey writes on arts and culture, and edits Weekend Fin. He is a former editor of the Financial Review Rich List. He is based in Sydney. Connect with Michael on Twitter. Email Michael at m.bailey@nine.com.au
Julie-anne SpragueRich List editorJulie-anne Sprague co-edits our Rich Lists and covers entrepreneurs, wealth creation and investments. A senior journalist in our newsroom, Julie-anne has covered politics, property, agribusiness, retail and stockmarkets in both the UK and Australia. Connect with Julie-anne on Twitter. Email Julie-anne at jsprague@afr.com
