Wednesday, 18 June, 2025 - 12:00
WA's most powerful people revealed
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.
Ellie Whiteaker
Ellie Whiteaker is a federal Labor politician who was elected to the Senate in May 2025, succeeding Louise Pratt. Prior to her election, she had served as state secretary of WA Labor from 2022, becoming the first woman to hold the role. Ms Whiteaker has previously worked as a campaign organiser for UnionsWA, an adviser to Senator Louise Pratt and an organiser for the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union. She is a Monash University graduate and is affiliated with the Labor left.
