14 Campbell Newman

Campbell Newman's astounding sweep to victory as Queensland premier in March has made him one of the most powerful conservative figures in the land.

Up against Labor's netball team of seven opposition members (compared with the Liberal National Party's 78 MPs), Newman has near-unbridled authority in Queensland's unicameral parliament to slam through his agenda.

So far, Newman has spent the early part of his reign busy moving the chess pieces. In his first week he axed the Premier's Literary Awards, angering the arts community. Last month, he weakened gay rights reforms, abolishing state-sanctioned ceremonies for same-sex couples. 

He's also slashed funding for renewable energy projects and other welfare organisations, as well as cutting state agencies the Office of Climate Change, Sentencing Advisory Council and the Queensland Workplace Rights Office.

It's all part of a cost-cutting drive by "Can Do" and his razor gang which will see the removal of 20,000 public servants. Other government programs to hit the waste basket include the "Smart State" slogan, a band competition for high schools and coffee and tea for public servants. 

Newman's huge mandate has prompted fears from the other side of politics of a return to the days of long-serving former leader Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen, who held power in the Sunshine State for nearly twenty years.

Whether he lasts a generation is hugely unlikely. But barring any internal implosions, Newman's band of merry men and women will hold power north of the border for a few terms to come.