Part 6: Queensland’s 100 most influential people - Positions 25-11
HE WIELDS immense influence in the state’s corridors of power, managing accounts worth $82 billion. That makes him one of the top 25 people in The Courier-Mail’s 100 most powerful list.
QLD News
Don't miss out on the headlines from QLD News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
THE Power 100 features Queensland’s most influential people across a range of sectors.
Some you will know, others you won’t.
But these are all Queenslanders at the top of their field, setting the agenda in our state and influencing the big decisions.
This week, couriermail.com.au has been counting down to the top 10, which will be revealed online and in a special Power 100 edition of QWeekend magazine this Saturday.
We also want you, our subscribers, to tell us who you think are Queensland’s most powerful people.
Post your nominations in the comments section below or email to editor@couriermail.com.au.
Queensland’s 100 most influential people: Positions 25-11
25 - PETER HØJ, ACADEMIC
A dual Australian and Danish citizen, he runs a $1.8 billion university with more than 50,000 students and 6000 full-time staff.
Since his appointment in 2012, UQ has jumped 25 places in the Academic Ranking of World Universities. This has seen a spike in international enrolments – more than 15,000 foreign students in 2017, bringing in $471 million in tuition fees.
Under Professor Høj, 60, UQ attracts hundreds of millions of dollars in research investment for Queensland, including $67 million from the National Health and Medical Research Council, $76 million from the Australian Research Council, and $140 million from industry and business.
Last year it launched a philanthropic fundraising campaign with a target of $500 million.
In January 2018 it established a sexual misconduct support unit, ahead of the release of The Red Zone report, which outlined allegations of abuse at universities around the country.
Professor Høj is a member of the Australian Medical Research Advisory Board, and the Queensland Government’s International Education and Training Advisory Group.
24 - THE IRWIN FAMILY, AUSTRALIA ZOO
The Irwins are among the most famous Queenslanders in the world.
The family – mum Terri, daughter Bindi, son Robert and the late Crocodile Hunter, Steve – have transformed what began as the two-acre Beerwah Reptile and Fauna Park into the world renowned Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast.
Along the way the family have made more than 150 television episodes and movies seen by more than 500 million people in 142 countries. Bindi was also crowned winner of the US Dancing with the Stars in 2015.
The zoo, which helps rescue and rehabilitate native animals as well as educating visitors about conservation, employs 500 people.
The Irwins promote wildlife conservation in Australia and abroad, hosting annual galas in Los Angeles and Brisbane to raise funds for their environmental work and honouring Steve, who died after being hit in the chest with a stingray barb while snorkelling in 2006.
23 - CAMERON DICK, LABOR MINISTER
A barrister by trade, Cameron Dick is the Right faction’s most powerful Caucus member, holding the third most senior position in the Palaszczuk Government Cabinet.
He had previously served as a minister in the former Bligh government but lost his seat in Labor’s 2012 election drubbing. He switched electorates from Greenslopes to Woodridge and won back a spot in State Parliament in 2015.
He now holds the safest Labor seat in the House, just pipping Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk. He is often touted as a future Premier.
22 - STEVE BAXTER, TECHNOLOGY
Queensland’s chief entrepreneur and multi-millionaire tech visionary Steve Baxter has cemented his place as the start-up king.
Hailing from Cloncurry before growing up in Emerald, Baxter is a self-proclaimed “proud Queenslander” who went on to become one of the country’s most successful entrepreneurs.
He was just 23 when he used his $11,000 life savings to launch his first business, internet service provider SE Net.
That was ultimately acquired by Ozemail/UUNet, which was still being run by none other than founding director and current Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull.
But it was his partnership with school friend Bevan Slattery in creating telecommunications infrastructure company PIPE networks in 2001 that sold to TPG Group eight years later for $373 million.
Mr Baxter’s focus now is inspiring and encouraging others. He founded Brisbane tech startup hub River City Labs, as well as launching the Startup Catalyst and RiverPitch programs.
An enthusiastic mentor, he puts his money where his mouth is as an early investor in a host of new companies.
His role as a celebrity judge on Channel 10’s show Shark Tank, which is starting a new season, has lifted his national profile.
As Chief Entrepreneur, he is a respected adviser to individuals, groups and governments and advocate of Australia’s potential.
Lobbying by Mr Baxter and Atlassian co-founder Mike Cannon-Brookes helped persuade the Turnbull Government to recently create the Global Talent Scheme (GTS) visa and another aimed at STEM companies to help attract the brightest tech minds as migrants.
21 - GRAHAM QUIRK, BRISBANE LORD MAYOR
He has been pulling the levers of power at City Hall for a decade, first as deputy to Campbell Newman and as Lord Mayor since 2011.
In council for 33 years, underneath Mr Quirk’s quietly-spoken, mild-mannered, Mr Nice Guy personality is a steely-tough career politician who is very firmly in charge.
Labor has not been able to lay a paw on him, as he coasted to victory at successive local government elections in 2012 and 2016.
Mr Quirk leads the biggest local authority in Australia with a $3 billion annual budget, larger than Tasmania’s.
Responsible for guiding Brisbane’s growth as the region’s population is predicted to almost double within 30 years, the success of his $1 billion Brisbane Metro public transport initiative is critical.
His vision of Brisbane as a “new world city’’ attracting international talent and investment is bearing fruit. He also chairs the SEQ Council of Mayors which is considering a bid for the 2032 Olympic Games.
20 - JOHN BATTAMS, LABOR PRESIDENT
Currently serving as Queensland Labor’s president, John Battams is a party power player from the Old Guard faction. He has played a key role in numerous election campaigns including the 2015 election that saw Labor returned to power after just one term in the political wilderness of opposition.
Battams was appointed party president in 2016, taking over the reins from Dick Williams. He had served as union boss for more than two decades before that. The former teacher served as the Queensland Teacher’s Union general secretary for 21 years.
He most recently held the president’s role at the Queensland Council of Unions.
19 - JULIEANNE ALROE, BRISBANE AIRPORT
Ask those in the inner circles of power about influence in Queensland and one name comes up again and again – Julieanne Alroe.
As CEO and managing director of Brisbane Airport Corporation, she has overseen its rapid growth and instigated the construction of the new parallel runway, due for completion in 2020. It will double the hub’s capacity – crucial to the expansion of tourism, overseas students and business investment that will boost the state’s economy into the future.
Without it, initiatives such as the $3 billion Queen’s Wharf casino-resort precinct would not be happening.
The 63-year-old retired from the airport position a few weeks ago to devote more time to an even more pivotal role as chair of Infrastructure Australia, the body responsible for setting the nation-building project priorities which guide Federal Government spending.
She is already taking a key public policy stance, calling last month for reforms including road user charges, greater franchising of bus and train services, and privatising water and electricity networks.
Ms Alroe is deputy chair of Tourism and Events Queensland and the clamour for her input across topics is reflected in positions as inaugural president of the Queensland Futures Council and a member of Urban Futures Brisbane, the University of Queensland Senate and the Queensland Climate Advisory Council.
18 - GARY BULLOCK, UNION LEADER
The head of one of Queensland’s largest unions, Bullock is political kingmaker. He has served as State Secretary of United Voice for more than a decade and in his role he has a say on not just Labor Party policy but also on who goes into Cabinet. United Voice one of Queensland Labor’s largest financial backers, pumping almost $120,000 into the party’s coffers during last year’s 26-day election campaign alone.
Its funds helped Labor win victory in 2015 with seven MPs in the Caucus, three of whom were rewarded with Cabinet positions – Steven Miles, Mick de Brenni and Coralee O’Rourke.
The union is also a campaigning powerhouse. Its numbers were further boosted at last year’s election. UV now has 12 MPs in the Caucus and four ministers with Craig Crawford elevated to Cabinet following the reshuffle. New Gaven MP Meaghan Scanlon – also a United Voice member – was gifted an assistant Minister position.
New chief whip Don Brown is also a UV member. Such is the union’s campaigning nous it runs its own in-house printing business to ensure its candidates have quick access to campaign materials charged at cost. Two of its members Coralee O’Rourke and Aaron Harper held on to their seats at last year’s election thanks in part to the might of the union.
17 - DAMIEN FRAWLEY, QIC CHIEF EXEC
Damien Frawley is Queensland’s $82 billion man, running the state’s flagship fund manager QIC.
His role since 2012 as chief executive officer of the State Government-owned corporation, means both access and an influential voice in the financial world.
QIC manages funds for about 100 clients, including the defined benefit superannuation scheme for Queensland public servants.
It has assets in the Sunshine State alone valued at over $17 billion, including about a quarter stake in two of our most strategic – Brisbane Airport and the Port of Brisbane – and 80 per cent of the North Australian Pastoral Company.
Overseas interests include everything from shopping malls to power and water and medical research.
The 55-year-old former Wallabies rugby forward recently stepped down as chairman of the Queensland Reds after five years on the board. Under his two-year chairmanship, they turned around their financial performance and are now back in the black.
16 - BOB EAST, TOURISM LEADER
In just over a decade as chief executive, Bob East has led the growth of the Gold Coast-based Mantra Group to become the country’s second biggest hotel and resort operator, with more than 120 sites.
A proposed merger with Accor will create a $1.2 billion market leader.
His success on the ground saw him appointed chairman of a revamped Tourism and Events Queensland board in 2015, guiding the industry through a period of record visitor numbers.
Mr East added a national role, becoming a director of Tourism Australia in 2016 and was appointed chairman there last September, stepping down from TEQ.
The 49-year-old is regarded as one of the sharpest and most strategic thinkers in a sector critical to the economic wellbeing of Queensland and will be a key figure as Australia positions itself to benefit from an explosion in tourists from Asia.
15 - MAHAand RAYNUHA SINNATHAMBY, CITY VISIONARIES
As dad and daughter projects go, it’s not bad. While some might fix up an old house or plant a vege garden, this pair are building a city.
Greater Springfield began a quarter century ago as a vast expanse of unwanted scrub land and a dream by the son of a poor Malaysian rubber grower to create a masterplanned metropolis of liveability.
The success in bringing that vision to reality – it’s now home to 36,000 people and will add another 100,000 by 2030 – is due in large part to the persuasive powers and indefatigable determination of Maha Sinnathamby in attracting $16 billion of private sector investment and government support including building a rail line and two stations.
Mr Sinnathamby, now 78, was relentless in pursuing reluctant politicians in the early years before eventually securing an act of Parliament to provide certainty in planning the city. He has been happy to employ high-profile lobbyists over the years, including former Labor heavyweights Terry Mackenroth and Con Sciacca and Liberal Santo Santoro to push the cause.
These days, politicians seek opportunities to bask in the success which has also helped transform the image and economic fortunes of the wider Ipswich area.
Billionaire Mr Sinnathamby remains chairman of Springfield Land Corporation but daughter Raynuha, 47, has taken an ever-increasing leadership role as managing director since 2012. Siblings Uma, Meera and Naren also have positions there.
A former Queensland president of the Property Council, Ms Sinnathamby is highly-regarded not only in the sector but the wider business community and as a female executive and is in strong demand as a speaker. Ms Sinnathamby is a member of the Leadership Council on Cultural Diversity.
14 - TIM FAIRFAX, PHILANTHROPIST
The generosity of one of Queensland’s wealthiest families, led by its patriarch, is improving the health, education and social outcomes of people in the state’s remote and rural communities.
The Tim Fairfax Family Foundation last year approved a record 35 grants totalling $4.9 million to charitable organisations, including Aboriginal groups in the Northern Territory.
In 2018 it is collaborating with The Myer Foundation and The Keir Foundation to deliver a national advocacy program called A New Approach, which will champion investment and return in arts and culture.
The arts are very dear to Mr Fairfax AC, 71, who since 2002 has supported the acquisition of some of the most remarkable works in the collections of the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art.
A World View: The Tim Fairfax Gift, an exhibition which celebrates a decade of his extraordinary generosity, is now on tour until May 2019, bringing the artworks to Gladstone, the Gold Coast, Cairns, Gympie and Toowoomba.
Mr Fairfax is also chancellor of Queensland University of Technology, patron of AMA Queensland, and board chair of Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation, named after his father, which has donated more than $100 million to arts and sporting projects in regional areas.
He and wife Gina, 68, a philanthropist in her own right and board member of QAGOMA, are well-respected and well-connected in both private and public sectors of influence.
13 - MARGOT ROBBIE, ACTOR
The Dalby-born former Neighbours actor is taking Hollywood by storm.
She first made her mark in 2013’s The Wolf of Wall St – a role she won by hitting Leonardo DiCaprio in the face in an ad libbed audition.
Since then she’s starred as Harley Quinn in Suicide Squad in 2016 and as Jane in The Legend of Tarzan, and other hits including The Big Short, Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, Goodbye Christopher Robin and the narrator of Peter Rabbit.
By 2016, she ranked as the fourth main box office drawcard – based on earnings for movies she appeared in – behind Scarlett Johansson and superhero actors, Chris Evans and Robert Downey Jr. Last year, she made Forbes magazine’s list of the most influential people under 30.
She was nominated for an Oscar this year for her portrayal of troubled ice-skater Tonya Harding in I, Tonya – a movie she also produced as her power in the industry continues to grow.
Robbie, who turned 28 this month (July 2), is also co-producer of the soon-to-be-released Terminal, appearing opposite Simon Pegg and Mike Myers.
Her fast-rising reputation as the industry’s leading lady will be further cemented when she plays Sharon Tate, the actor slain by Charles Manson and his followers in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood with Di Caprio and Brad Pitt.
And there is still a Suicide Squad sequel and a Harley Quinn spin-off Birds Of Prey to come. This year, she was also selected as the new face of fashion house Chanel.
Robbie still regards Queensland as home and regularly visits mum Sarie Kessler on the Gold Coast. Her enthusiasm for the state and social media posts ensure she is an invaluable asset to the local tourism industry.
12 - IAN FRAZER, SCIENTIST
Ian Frazer is Queensland’s pre-eminent scientist, whose influence stretches nationally and internationally. He is best known as the co-inventor of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines used worldwide to prevent most cervical cancers – a breakthrough which saw him recognised as the 2006 Australian of the Year.
He won the Australian Prime Minister’s science prize in 2008 and four years later was elected a Fellow of the prestigious Royal Society of London, the world’s oldest national scientific institute, founded in 1660.
Professor Frazer trained as a clinical immunologist in his native Scotland before emigrating to Australia in the early 1980s to begin a research career. He started studying HPV at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane in 1985. The HPV vaccine, developed with the late Chinese virologist Jian Zhou, has been available since 2006.
More than a decade on, Professor Frazer, a professor at the University of Queensland, heads biotechnology company Admedus Vaccines and is working on new medical breakthroughs. An experimental treatment for HPV-related head and neck cancer is about to enter human trials.
He sits on the boards of several companies and not-for-profit organisations and is a member of the Commonwealth Science Council, which provides strategic advice to government on science and technology. Professor Frazer is also chair of the Federal Government’s Medical Research Future Fund.
11 - PETER DUTTON, HOME AFFAIRS MINISTER
The Home Affairs Minister has carriage of the new super law enforcement department that makes him one of the most powerful politicians in the Turnbull Government.
The former Queensland police officer is a member of the Government’s National Security Committee, which makes high-level decisions about Australian security issues.
He is also close to Malcolm Turnbull and a key informer about policy decisions needed in Queensland. If Queensland gets more infrastructure projects in this year’s Budget, a significant reason for it will be because of his lobbying.
He is the most senior Queensland Conservative MP in the Government and wields enormous influence in Queensland and Canberra.
Mr Dutton was a favourite of former prime minister John Howard, who promoted him as a junior minister in 2004 after one term on the backbench.
In 2006, Mr Howard appointed him to Minister for Revenue and Assistant Treasurer, which gave Mr Dutton experience in economic portfolios.
Mr Dutton is a favourite of influential conservative commentators across the country, who they refer to as their “last hope”.
Top Qld uni falls to eight-year low in global rankings
One of Queensland’s top universities has taken a major slide down the global rankings, while none of our other institutions made the top 200.
‘My dad’s friend is one of my OnlyFans subscribers’
After an odd encounter at a family gathering, an Aussie OnlyFans creator made the shock discovery that one of her dad’s longtime friends was one of her subscribers.