Murdoch named most influential Australian ever

The list compiled by the weekly Bulletin news magazine includes everyone from national icons such as cricketer Don Bradman to controversial figures including populist politician Pauline Hanson and bushranger Ned Kelly.

Bulletin news editor Tim Blair said Murdoch came out on top after months of debate among a panel of prominent Australians assembled by the magazine.

"His influence on a global scale is of a magnitude unparalleled among Australians," Blair told AFP. "No one else even comes close."

He said Murdoch's selection may prove unpopular with some but there was no doubting the clout wielded by the man who now heads the world's fifth largest media group and holds US citizenship.

"They may think it's more of a blessing but it's a list of the most influential Australians, not the best Australians," he said.

The list, to be published Wednesday, was not released in numerical order but others in the top 10 included Murdoch's fellow media tycoon, the recently-deceased Kerry Packer, feminist Germaine Greer and Nobel Prize-winning author Patrick White.

Athletes featured prominently in this sports-mad nation, with cricketer Shane Warne named for his role in reviving the art of leg-spin bowling.

Blair said entertainer Kylie Minogue ws also included in the list of 100 because of her role in paving the way for Australian acts in overseas markets.