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.

Commonwealth Ombudsman Allan Asher has apologised for feeding questions to a Greens Senator before a May parliamentary hearing, but refuses to heed calls for him to resign.

Commonwealth Ombudsman Allan Asher will have the blow torch applied to his belly this week over revelations that he scripted questions for Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young. Few expect him to survive in the job.