Australians may not go to church as often as we used to, but there’s no escaping the influence religion is having on Australia today. Who’s putting religion into our lives? It’s a sermon ripe for scrutiny.

Aussies spend more time talking about food and watching cooking programs than we do eating. Flavours from all over the world combine to impact our health, political and cultural habits. But who decides what's on Australia's plates? Next week we're kicking off a new list looking at all things food.

Tomorrow, we start counting down the Top 10 most powerful Union Heavies. Here, Matthew Knott presents the shortlist.

Political power in Canberra has become harder than ever to effectively use, so who's got the skills, popularity and support to wield it best? We're currently counting down the Top 10 most powerful and influential people in Canberra. Here, Bernard Keane presents the shortlist.

This week we're beginning a new countdown looking at the most powerful people across Australia's vibrant arts and culture sphere. Here, Tom Cowie presents the shortlist.

This week we begin profiling Australia's most influential Rich Crusaders, the people who use their cash to influence public debate and promote causes they believe in. Here, Paul Barry presents the shortlist.

Todd Sampson – the much-loved Gruen Transfer panellist with a penchant for edgy T-shirts – is rising up The Power Index.

Public affairs managers in major companies were once considered little more than mouthpieces. Now, the best operatives report directly to the CEO, have a seat at the decision making table and earn serious dough. It's big business: our top five are at companies like Qantas, Coles and Westfield.

This week we're profiling Australia's most influential backroom operators, the spinners and advisers who shape how the powerful act – and how the public perceives them. Here, Matthew Knott presents the shortlist.

Who are the intellectuals most influencing our public debate? Next week we're counting down the Top 10 Most Powerful Thinkers. Here, Tom Cowie presents the shortlist.