Power 500: Cook, Saffioti ranked WA’s most powerful people

Premier Roger Cook and Treasurer Rita Saffioti have been named the state’s most powerful people, edging out mining magnates Gina Rinehart and Andrew Forrest in the 2025 Power 500.

Business News' annual Power 500 publication is a biographical guide of the 500 most powerful people in the state spanning 19 sections from property to agribusiness, technology, arts and entertainment, and more. 

A state and federal election in the same year resulted in a major shake-up in fourth edition of the Power 500 – unveiled today – and aided the elevation of the premier and his deputy to first and second rank in the overall top 10 section. 

The iron ore price and its prospects weighed on the individuals who were heavily exposed to the commodity, partly informing Hancock Prospecting's Gina Rinehart's and Fortescue's Andrew Forrest's shift to third and fourth rank. 

Mineral Resources’ Chris Ellison exited the overall top 10 section but remains in the book, while Rio Tinto’s Simon Trott stepped up to feature among the 10 most influential movers and shakers.

Resources Minister Madeleine King, Seven West Media’s Kerry Stokes, Woodside Energy’s Meg O'Neill, Wesfarmers’ Rob Scott and property mogul Nigel Satterley all made another appearance in top 10 section.

The composition of the 10 most powerful individuals in the annual publication underscores how much influence the resources sector has in Western Australia. 

In this, the fourth edition of the Power 500, 85 individuals made their debut across the 19 sections as power and influence changed hands in the state.

Some of the greatest shifts occurred in the resources and explorers sections, as some executives brought mines into production while others were forced to curtail operations. 

Several new entrants featured in the energy section, as a wave of renewable energy proposals shone a light on individuals pursing ambitious projects. 

The evolving arts and entertainment and hospitality, tourism and sport landscapes were reflected in significant changes across the pages of the book.

The prominence of Perth’s professional directors can also be seen, as industry experts were tapped for their expertise by businesses looking to bolster their boards. 

A notable shift in that section was Richard Goyder, who dropped to fourth position after ranking first for the past three editions.

The elections shuffled the political leaders and public sector sections of the book, highlighting emerging leaders such as WA senators Jordon Steele-John and Ellie Whiteaker. 

Daniel Smith, recently appointed chief of staff in the premier's office, rose to the very top of the public sector section of the Power 500, after previously featuring in the media, communications and lobbyists section. 

For the first time in the publication’s history, women account for more than a quarter of the people in the book and four out of the overall top 10 most powerful individuals.