WA’s most influential people of 2021 20-17: Who’s really in control of WA?

There have been many names making headlines this year, but who’s stood out from the crowd? From musicians to politicians to a notorious criminal, this is our first instalment of the West Australians who have had the most influence in the past 12 months. 20 - Dorinda Cox - Senator Dorinda Cox is a name that burst onto the political scene in 2021 — and it is a name that is only going to become more well known in 2022 and beyond. Cox, a Yamatji-Noongar woman, is one of the newest senators after replacing the long-serving Rachel Siewert for the Greens this year. Her impact is already being felt, both at home in Perth and in Canberra. In just a short time in her new role, the former police liaison officer has already secured the support of the Senate to establish a parliamentary inquiry that will examine the policing processes used in First Nations murder and missing persons investigations. Cox is a passionate supporter of Indigenous-led business and community organisations and has been highly critical of the McGowan Government’s Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Bill, calling the legislation that was passed earlier this month “abhorrent” and “destructive”. “They didn’t even have the respect to properly include First Nations people in the creation of the Bill. They talked at them in English, which many traditional owners aren’t able to understand, at forums that many people could not attend during the pandemic,” Ms Cox said. 19 - Nick Martin - Former bikie boss Following Nick Martin’s assassination in December last year, the investigation into his murder and subsequent arrest of two men believed to be involved in the most brazen hit job in WA’s modern history has run parallel to the State Government pursuing some of the toughest anti-consorting laws in the country. Police will get sweeping new powers to keep guns out of the hands of bikies and other serious criminals after a spate of public shootings following the murder that happened in front of families at Perth Motorplex. Under the new laws, bikies will be slapped with 10-year firearm prohibition orders that allow police to stop and search them without a warrant. Separate legislation makes it illegal for members (or wannabes and hangers on) to display their patches and other gang insignia, including tattoos. The Government, most vociferously Attorney-General John Quigley and Police Minister Paul Papalia, are unapologetic about the tough stance. “The message to outlaw motorcycle gang members is get out of the gang or get out of Western Australia because you’re not welcome,” Mr Papalia said. 18 - Spacey Jane This year has been trying for many, none more so than our local arts, entertainment and music scenes and creatives. But four are thriving. Four young mates who are making instantly charismatic indie rock that is capturing attention all around the country. Spacey Jane. The band, fronted by Caleb Harper, made up of guitarist Ashton Hardman-Le Cornu, bassist Peppa Lane and drummer Kieran Lama, have already made quite a name for themselves and are destined for even bigger things.. They hit the “mainstream” when they narrowly missed out of the top spot of this years’ Triple J’s Hottest 100 with their ballad Booster Seat. T to measure how much of coup that is in the competitively and aching cool alternative scene, they finished second behind British act Glass Animals’ enormously popular song Heat Waves. Spacey Jane are tipped to infiltrate the next countdown with their latest offerings, Lots of Nothing and Lunchtime, which critics, including The West Australian’s Simon Collins, expect to finish in the Top 10. Their success in the past two years has been almost unbelievable to witness, especially in Australia were we use festivals as a primary way to foster talent. Despite limited gigs and festival sets, Spacey Jane’s debut album Sunlight peaked at no.2 on the ARIA charts. Booster Seat won Song of the Year at the 2021 ARIA Awards and scooped up Independent Song of the Year at the Australian Independent Record Labels Association Awards. The band were also named Breakthrough Independent Artist of the Year at the AIR Awards. After two years being pretty much confined to WA, they’ll head off to tour regional NSW, including Newcastle and a pop-up venue in Sydney’s outer suburbs, in February. 17 - Michaelia Cash - Federal Attorney-General It has been a tumultuous year for the country and the Government, dealing with everything from a continuing global pandemic requiring all hands — economic, health and State relations — on deck. Australia has also been coming to terms with a social reckoning because of allegations of misogyny and sexual assault pervading Parliament House in Canberra and society at large. At the centre of all of this upheaval was the steadfast Senator Cash, who was this year elevated to many top jobs, including the most senior Liberal in WA, after the resignation of former finance minister and WA senator Mathias Cormann, and the exit of her predecessor as Attorney-General Christian Porter. She is someone who likes to be judged on her actions. As well as taking carriage of the beleaguered Religious Discrimination Bill, she has also spent time privately counselling several of her former staffers and mentees — all female — who are about to contest the 2022 Federal election.

WA’s most influential people of 2021 20-17: Who’s really in control of WA?

Subscribe today.

Everyday Digital

Weekend Papers + Everyday Digital