Federal politicians

1. Stephen Smith

2. Chris Ellison

3. Ian Campbell

4. Mark Bishop

5. Daryl Williams

6. Julie Bishop

7. Kim Beazley

8. Carmen Lawrence

THE importance of this list largely lies not with their impact on the Federal sphere but the factional leadership they offer in the State scene.

Notably, a number of these key players are Senators.

On the Labor side of the equation Stephen Smith is Member for Perth and is a rising star within the Labor hierarchy. He has been given the key post of Opposition Spokesman on Communications, which pits him against Liberal heavyweight Richard Alston.

Senator Mark Bishop is Opposition spokesman for Veteran Affairs.

Senators Chris Ellison and Ian Campbell, who is close to Treasurer Peter Costello, both work together behind the scenes for the Liberals.

Daryl Williams ranks as WA’s only Federal Cabinet figure.

Although he is not a big player in State politics or a heavyweight in Canberra, he does have a strong role in some of the country’s key domestic issues by virtue of his position as Attorney-General.

Kim Beazley might have lost the election but his head for policy is well regarded and he is expect-ed to surface in an important State function.

Julie Bishop gets attention around town and is thought to be well placed if Mr Costello assumes the Prime Ministership.

Carmen Lawrence, it seems, remains powerful despite the misfortunes that have dogged her career.