Australia’s ten most powerful people for 2020 are revealed - but there's only ONE woman as controversial pandemic politicians dominate the list

Public figures in a list of Australia's ten most powerful people in 2020 all played a part in the nation's coronavirus recovery plan, but only one woman made the ranking.

From political leaders to health experts and economic heavyweights, the Australian Financial Review revealed the Aussies who have made the biggest impact this year.

New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian was the only woman to make the list, but slipped from her 2019 third place spot. 

Daily Mail Australia takes a look at the list of Australia's most influential figures for 2020.

1. Prime Minister Scott Morrison

For the second year running, the nation's leader topped the list of Australia's most powerful people.

Mr Morrison has enjoyed skyrocketing popularity in the polls during the pandemic, in contrast to the public's response to his handling of the bushfire crisis.

Accused of abandoning the nation in its time of need when he was spotted holidaying in Hawaii, and insisting that 'he doesn't hold a hose', his popularity nosedived after winning Labor's 'unloseable' election months earlier. 

But Australia's 30th prime minister has turned his fortunes around throughout the COVID-19 crisis by offering financial support, boasting a calm demeanor and trusting the advice of medical professionals in his circle.

Australia's handling of the pandemic has been praised globally and has earned Mr Morrison high-levels of support from many Australians.

For the second year running, the nation's leader   topped the list of Australia's most powerful people

2. Josh Frydenberg 

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has been responsible for delivering and monitoring Australia's economic handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He had hoped to deliver a budget surplus for 2020, but instead is about to reveal an enormous deficit due to government spending during the crisis.

Mr Frydenberg has dished out about $315billion in emergency economic measures to keep Australia afloat, including the landmark JobKeeper and JobMaker payments, as well as the boosted JobSeeker.

Mr Frydenberg maintained his second place position in the list for the second year running, ahead of the budget announcement on Tuesday.

3. Brendan Murphy

Australia's Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy skyrocketed to third on the list, despite never once previously getting a mention.

His role within the government has been at the forefront of decision making and policy change throughout the pandemic, and he has single-handedly influenced the way the Australian public lives. 

Mr Murphy has been shoulder-to-shoulder with Mr Morrison in every stage of the coronavirus response, appearing in press conferences and dictating many of Mr Morrison's decisions.

Australia's Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy skyrocketed to third on the Australian Financial Review's list despite never once previously getting a mention

4. Gladys Berejiklian

The New South Wales premier slipped down the power rankings to fourth in the 2020 polls, but tops the list for female representatives. 

Ms Berejiklian, as the leader of Australia's biggest economy, has been praised for her handling of the crisis and refusal to close down businesses and risk economic destruction.

Instead, her methods have included minimising the harm to the community while also still allowing residents to largely carry on with their lives.

Ms Berejiklian became a key voice at the national cabinet meetings while also forging ahead with her own plans, and isn't up for re-election again until 2023.

The New South Wales premier slipped down the power rankings to fourth in the 2020 polls, but tops the list for female representatives

5. Daniel Andrews

The embattled Victorian premier controversially slipped into the top half of the list for Australia's most powerful people in 2020.

While once enjoying popularity with some Victorians, the state's Labor leader has been slammed for his response to the crisis, particularly after the bungled hotel quarantine program let out a second wave of coronavirus.

Mr Andrews is the longest serving state premier and once enjoyed a good relationship with Mr Morrison, but relations seem to have soured through the course of the pandemic. 

He has been widely criticised for his 'draconian' response to the pandemic, plunging Victoria into lockdown and keeping millions from going to work. 

2020 marks the first year the Victorian premier made the top ten list.

The embattled Victorian premier controversially slipped into the top half of the list for Australia's most powerful people in 2020

6. Greg Hunt

The Federal Health Minister has become the third most important person in federal government throughout the coronavirus crisis.

Mr Hunt was critical in securing personal protective equipment for the public. 

It is the first time he has made the list, and his handling of the nation's post-pandemic response will secure his status.   

7. Matt Comyn

The Commonwealth Bank of Australia's chief executive Matt Comyn debuted on the 2020 list in seventh spot.

Mr Comyn has been crucial in deferring loan repayments for individuals and businesses who have been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

He is also the chair of the Australian Banking Association and is good friends with Treasurer Josh Frydenberg.

Mr Comyn has the tough job of rebranding the banking sector after the royal commission and money laundering scandals while also navigating the first recession in decades.   

The Commonwealth Bank of Australia's chief executive Matt Comyn debuted on the 2020 list in seventh spot

8. Philip Lowe 

The Reserve Bank Governor plunged from fourth place in 2019 to eighth place in 2020 as political and health figures dominated the Australian landscape throughout the pandemic.

But Mr Lowe has the power to impact the cost of borrowing - both for personal and business reasons - and is highly respected among business and political circles.

Mr Lowe's opinions are highly sought after and he often helps to push federal government reform.   

9. Mark McGowan

The West Australian Premier enjoys the highest approval ratings in the country - with one recent poll earning him 90 per cent of public approval.

But Mr McGowan has had a controversial stance on the coronavirus crisis, locking his state off from the rest of Australia and refusing to commit to opening by Christmas.

Mr McGowan is spending billions on economic stimulus within his state, and is refusing to reopen his borders until the rest of the nation almost entirely eradicates the virus.   

The tough-talking premier is up for re-election in March 2021.

The West Australian premier enjoys the highest approval ratings in the country - with one recent poll earning him 90 per cent of public approval

10. Anthony Albanese

The opposition Leader has struggled to have much of a voice during the pandemic given Mr Morrison's leadership and handling of the crisis.

Mr Albanese has vowed to put more pressure on the government and question the handling of the pandemic, while also trying to support the nation's recovery.

He dropped from fifth on the 2019 power rankings to barely scraping in during the 2020 year.