CBD approached spokespeople for both Murdochs,who observed a mafia-like omerta in response to our questions.

FIGHT NIGHT

Footy fans are packing away their scarves after the sun set on another AFL season at Perth’s Optus Stadium on Saturday evening. While the mighty Melbourne Demons and the Western Bulldogs players took the limelight scrapping it out on the field,the real action took place higher up in the stands. Inside the victory lounge,AFL chief executiveGillon McLachlan hosted 400-members of the Western Australian power set at the league’s official finals day bash. PremierMark McGowan led the roll-call of state MPs including Sport MinisterTony Buti and anonymous Opposition LeaderMia Davies,while leading the feds political contingent was Attorney-GeneralMichaelia Cash,accompanied by Assistant Minister to the Prime MinisterBen Morton,Sports MinisterRichard Colbeck,senatorDorinda Cox,Stephen Irons andPatrick Gorman. As is the way,all were outshone by former colleague turned uber-inviteeJulie Bishopand her handsome handbagDavid Panton - the Melbourne-based property developer who certainly looks like a Dees supporter. An ebullient Demons presidentKate Roffeywas also in the room,no doubt thrilled to repping the inner Melbourne team at the grand final in her first year in the top job,as was newly minted Western Bulldogs presidentKylie Watson-Wheeler.

EXECUTIVE SET

But it was the West Australian business set including Woodside Energy chief executiveMeg O’Neill,Wesfarmers chief executiveRob Scott and recruitment giant APM managing directorMegan Wynne who really stole the show.

This was noted by McLachlan who delivered this zinger when introducing Premier McGowan.

“Premier aside,the power in Perth does seem to be concentrated … and clearly this is a room where 10 of you think they run Perth,but as they say in the classic filmHighlander ‘there can only be one’ and well,it’s great to see you hereKerry[Stokes].” Oh,how the Seven West chairman laughed,according to sources at the table.

But the zingers didn’t stop there. McLachlan followed with a dig at WA’s Mr Everywhere - (and“beautiful tenor voiced” Hale School singer )Basil Zempilas,noting “Perth is a city with its quirks … it’s the only city in the world where the lord mayor commentates his own meetings.” Gillon,you’re not wrong.

PLUM POSITION

Senate presidentScott Ryan sounded the starting gun on two races last week when he announced his retirement from politics after almost 15 years in Parliament. In Victoria,a pre-selection process will begin to fill a casual vacancy that Ryan - who occupies the sought-after number one position on the state’s Coalition Senate ticket - will leave. But in Federal Parliament,a handful of Ryan’s colleagues are sizing up their chances of landing the prestigious president gig which Ryan has held since 2017.

Lofty title aside,the position comes with some serious perks - a sprawling suite inside Federal Parliament’s Senate wing. “It’s seriously plush,” one MP told CBD on Sunday of the suite.

Behind a grand entrance and about a zillion flags,it includes a full-sized dining room,a well appointed sitting room for receptions,a working kitchen,a top pick of art from the parliamentary collection,an internal courtyard and - luxury of all luxuries - windows that actually open. According to MPs,the suite is one of two in the building including the Speaker of the House’s offices where the windows can be opened and closed for ventilation. A privilege not even afforded to the Prime Minister,in fact - windows in the Prime Ministerial wing are sealed shut. The president’s suite - which caters to the president’s administrative responsibilities which include hosting international delegations and foreign heads of state - also comes with some serious history. Queen Elizabeth visited it in 1988,which also includes a “Queen’s Robing Room” where the sovereign dons ceremonial robes to open the house. In other words,a suite worth fighting for.

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