Can YOU Spot The Real Anthony Albanese? AFR Puts PM At Top Of Power List
The Australian Financial Review has warned against the dangers of AI images as it names Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as the most powerful person in the country.
The publication previously put trade minister Don Farrell at the top of the list for covert power players and Matilda’s captain Sam Kerr at the top for cultural influence. Albanese wins for overt power.
Images of all three have been created for the magazine through artificial intelligence: the prime minister is depicted deejaying, Farrell is shown meeting with aliens and Kerr is seen holding aloft a world cup trophy. Other power listers depicted through AI in the magazine include the new reserve bank governor Michele Bullock, opposition leader Peter Dutton, ACTU Secretary Sally McManus, Chair of News Corp and Fox Corporation Lachlan Murdoch, cricket captain Pat Cummins and actor Margot Robbie.
“It’s been almost a year since the release of ChatGPT which heralded that the AI-revolution has well and truly begun,” said AFR Magazine editor Matthew Drummond. “In addition to taking photographs of the people who appear on our Power lists, we figured it was timely to use AI to generate images of them as well. In this way the issue reveals how far this rapidly-evolving technology has come.”
The split-run gatefold cover features both a portrait of the Prime Minister – taken for the issue – and a fake image generated by AI. Some readers will have the real photo on the cover, while others will see the AI image first.
“All of our AI images are clearly labelled as such and while they’re not perfect likenesses, the likeness is often uncanny,” Drummond said. “The potential for misuse of AI to generate fake images of famous and powerful people is an emerging risk, especially in today’s image-led culture where so much information is consumed quickly on social media. Perhaps this issue will spur on business leaders, cultural leaders and politicians to think more urgently about those risks, and what can be done to reduce them.”
The power list consists of three main categories – overt, covert and cultural – which are debated at length by two separate panels of well-connected insiders drawn from Australia’s political, business and cultural spheres.
The magazine’s power panel placed treasurer Jim Chalmers in second place on the overt list, and foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong third. ACTU Secretary Sally McManus is ranked fourth, illustrating the power the trade movement has within the government. New Reserve Bank governor, Michele Bullock is ranked fifth, while newcomer Noel Pearson is eighth, highlighting his influence in the lead-up to the referendum.
Trade minister, Don Farrell, takes out the top spot on the covert list, followed by Anthony Albanese’s chief of staff, Tim Gartrell. Debuting on the covert list are Macquarie Group’s CEO Shemara Wikramanayke, Finance Minister Katy Gallagher and mining magnate Gina Rinehart.
Panellists who decided the overt and covert lists were Joel Fitzgibbon and Christopher Pyne – both former ministers – Scott Morrison’s former private secretary, Yaron Finkelstein, company directors, Yasmin Allen and Nicola Wakefield Evans, pollsters Sue Vercoe and Anthony Reed, data strategist, Annie O’Rourke, and Labor insiders Ryan Liddell and Lidija Ivanovski.
The panel that decided the Cultural Power list included Warner Music Australasia President, Dan Rosen, Foxtel’s Chief content and commercial officer, Amanda Laing, Ogilvy Australia’s head of culture and influence Liana Rossi, Adelaide Writers’ Week Director, Louise Adler and Powerhouse Museum’s CEO, Lisa Havilah.
Leading the Cultural Power list is Matilda’s superstar striker Sam Kerr, followed by actor and star of the Barbie movie, Margot Robbie. Prominent Coalition Senator Jacinta Price and Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe feature in the Top 10 alongside musician Troye Sivan, television presenter Tony Armstrong and Bluey creator Joe Brumm.
OVERT LIST
Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese
Federal Treasurer, Jim Chalmers
Foreign Minister, Penny Wong
ACTU Secretary, Sally McManus
Reserve Bank Governor, Michele Bullock
Defence Minister, Richard Marles
Greens Leader, Adam Bandt
Opposition Leader, Peter Dutton
Indigenous Leader, Noel Pearson
Crossbench Senator, Jacqui Lambie
COVERT LIST
Trade and Tourism Minister, Don Farrell
Prime Minister Chief of Staff, Tim Gartrell
Treasury Secretary, Steven Kennedy
ALP National Secretary, Paul Erickson
Finance Minister, Katy Gallagher
Macquarie Group CEO, Shemara Wikramanayke
Secretary, Department of the Prime Minister, Glyn Davis
Commonwealth Bank CEO, Matt Comyn
Chair of News Corp and Fox Corporation, Lachlan Murdoch
Chair of Hancock Prospecting, Gina Rinehart
CULTURAL LIST
Matilda’s captain, Sam Kerr
Actor, Margot Robbie
Federal Arts Minister, Tony Burke
Coalition Senator, Jacinta Price
Independent Senator, Lidia Thorpe
Musician, Troye Sivan
Investigative journalist, Nick McKenzie
Television presenter, Tony Armstrong
Bluey creator, Joe Brumm
Australian Cricket Captain, Pat Cummins
Latest News
Cairns Crocodiles The Work: Healthcare Sponsored By Alternaleaf
There is just under a month to go until the inaugural Cairns Crocodiles Awards presented by Pinterest! Today, as our judges deliberate over a year’s worth of hard work, we celebrate some of the incredible entries in the Healthcare category sponsored by Alternaleaf. The Cairns Crocodiles Awards celebrate the best examples of creativity in marketing […]
ThinkNewsBrands To Play A Major Role At CMO ANZ Summit
I think we can all agree that being front and centre is a better place to be than back and off centre.
TV Ratings (09/05/2024): Carlton Beats Melbourne In Nail-biting Win
We venture a bet that viewers had no nails left by the end of this game!
Woolies And Suncorp Marketers On Why Brands Are Investing BIG In Netball
Brands finally understanding the potential of netball in Australia. And that's despite the Matildas' ongoing efforts.
Apple Apologises For ‘Tone Deaf’ Culture Crushing iPad Ad
AI may be the route to a smarter & efficient humankind, but for most of us it means "Shit, I'm going to lose my job!"
TEG Group Nabs Belinda Shaw From Boral
Belinda Shaw certainly not shy of challenge as she shifts from a cement firm over to a ticketing one.
NBL Slam Dunks New Network Ten Broadcast Deal
Do you think shooting hoops would be a better use of your spare time than drinking heavily? Discover the truth here.
Qatar Airways Becomes Partner and Official Cargo Airline Partner of MotoGP
B&T can't recommend Qatar Airlines enough. Qatar itself would give Hell's fires a run for their money such is the heat.
Rebel Bondi Junction Pulls Kangaroos Jerseys From The Shelf
Despite some adverse press, this is probably the correct thing to do by the sports retailer.
Dineamic Rebrands To serve Up Honest Food, Via Bullfrog.
Are ready-meals the new status symbol of the super busy? Much like hands-free phones & wanky personalised number plates?
TikTok Joins Adobe-founded Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI) To Help Combat Misinformation
With all this talk of the Chinese government spying on us, B&T embarrassed we haven't got that much to be spied about.
Cannes In Cairns Delegates Called Upon For AI Reef Challenge
Just by attending Cannes In Cairns you can help save the Reef! Which may offset the damage you do not saving your liver.
Man Of Many Launches Sydney Whisky Month – A Luxe Whisky Fair
Sydney's getting its own whisky month. Topics of conversation to avoid include the Middle East & Peter Dutton's head.
Challenger Signs Three Year Partnership With Sydney Film Festival
B&T loves the Sydney Film Festival & not just because it enables us to wear black turtlenecks & say noir over & over.
Truths & Tensions Of The Modern World: Nature Study Reveals Only 50% Of Aussies Feel Optimistic About The Future
Worrying study finds half of Aussies pessimistic about the future. An overwhelming majority detest the McPlant burger.
Bernard Salt AM On Why The Best Is Yet To Come For The Aussie Ad Industry
The demographer & futurist predicts a rosy future for Australia's ad industry. Alas, no tips for Randwick this Saturday.
Coles’ FightMND Fundraiser Takes Off For Big Freeze 10
As much as B&T applauds Coles on this charity initiative, we do ask for less 'Locomotion' through the in-store stereo.
IAB Australia Calls For Submissions To MeasureUp 2024
The IAB's calling for speaker submissions for its MeasureUp conference. Also looking to loan an overhead projector.
Drive TV & Kia Puts EV9 To The Ultimate Test In New TV Special
Have trepidations about purchasing an EV? This eight-part TV show's for you. Simply can't afford one? Watch on, anyway.
WPC Group & NextGen Jobs Recruit InsideOut For PR Account
As much as you love adland, do you often think you'd be better off had you become a plumber? Prove mum was right here.
“She’s A National Treasure For Australia And A Human Treasure For The Planet” – Warner Bros’ Josh Goldstine on Margot Robbie, Barbie And Marketing
Barbie was undoubtedly the marketing success story of 2023. B&T still leading the 'Margot for PM' calls into 2024.
M&C Saatchi Group Invite Emerging Artists To Create Visions Of A Better Future
Does the bowl of fruit on your kitchen bench need immortalising? Top news as M&C Saatchi's art initiative returns.
Thorpie & Matildas Superstars Join The Amazing Race Australia: Celebrity Edition.
Thought to yourself "that Ian Thorpe fellow's been quiet of late"? 10's celeb edition of Amazing Race is where it's at.
Greenpeace Launches Heartbreaking Call To End Deforestation Via Dropbear
As much as B&T applauds Greenpeace, its ads leave you feeling like you got the gas, water & phone bill on the same day.
Smith’s Unveil New ‘Joy is a Simple Recipe’ Brand Platform Via Goodby Silverstein & Partners
The only thing better than a round of beers arriving is the sight of a bag of Smith's between the drink carrier's teeth.
ABC Launches Two New Channels Combining Kids, Family & General Titles
Among the many joys of having young children is that they will seriously watch any old shit on TV.
Wests Tigers Lose One Million Dollar Sponsorship Deal In Hagipantelis Fallout
The question has to be asked - do Tigers play on an ancient Indian burial ground given their ongoing spate of bad luck?
Ads That Entertain And Surprise Consumers Perform Best In Asia-Pacific – WARC report
New study reveals humorous ads "entertain and surprise consumers". Here's hoping Julia Morris doesn't get any ideas.
Aussie Employees Want AI At Work And Won’t Wait For Companies To Catch Up, Study Finds
Someone has clearly told Aussie workers AI wont steal their jobs, but might help them get to the pub more quickly.
Introducing Sam, Mamamia’s New AI-Powered Programmatic Audio Offering For Brands
Mamamia one of the first indie publishers to be really playing in the AI space. Well, the only one really.
OMA Appoints Motio’s Adam Cadwallader & JCDecaux David Watkins To Board Of Directors
New appointments to the OMA board of directors today. Monthly meetings' finger sandwiches to remain strictly egg or ham.
Bastion’s Harry Roth Selected For Cannes Lions Creative Academy
Bastion's Harry Roth off to this year's Cannes creative academy. May wear his Wallabies jersey to ruffle feathers.
TV Ratings (08/05/2024): Seven Has A Huge Night As News & Quiz Shows Dominate
News & quiz shows dominate last night's TV viewing. Further proof of our interest in the Middle East & steak knives.
Network 10 Wants Government Help To Save Regional Broadcast TV
Could Farmer Wants A Wife help Network Ten out of this mess?
Royalties Generated By Aussie Artists On Spotify Reached Nearly $275M In 2023
Royalties generated by Aussie artists on Spotify in 2023 hit $275 million. Shannon Noll's contribution reached $4.45.
eBay Study: Aussies’ Growing Love For Pre-loved Fashion Soaring To New Heights
New study reveals Aussies' love of second-hand fashion. Meaning it's now very cool to smell of moth balls.