Australia's Most Trusted People 2012 by category

Politics

Most Trusted politician - Kevin Rudd believes trust is a fundamental Australian trait.

“A fulfilled life is one which always gives to others. The unfulfilled life is one which only gives to yourself. This is the wisdom of the ages and … is so deeply enmeshed in our national soul [it’s] now part of our national DNA. We call it the fair go, and the most fulfilled of us are the ones out there in the business of giving. The most unfulfilled are those who are simply looking after me, myself and I.” Kevin Rudd, from a speech delivered on January 18, 2012

Kevin Rudd has had a big year. After being hounded by speculation about will he or won’t he run against Julia Gillard for the leadership, on February 22 he resigned as Foreign Minister to contest the top job. At the time, he echoed the feelings of many by saying he could no longer participate in the Gillard government’s “soap opera”. He lost the contest, did the honourable thing, and ever since has been focusing on the work of serving his electorate. So why do we trust him more than the rest? Simple. Kevin Rudd is his own man.

Trust and leadership

Among the 14 politicians we asked you to rank, our most senior, Julia Gillard, fell way short in the trust stakes. It seems to hark back to the events that saw her win the leadership from Rudd. Did she plan to topple him or did she not? Was it something that arose the day of the vote or not? Gillard came to power by stabbing her leader in the back and it seems we can’t forgive her for that. Forget the good she has achieved during her tenure as Prime Minister. The lasting reminder the public has of her is not a flattering one. 

Sport

Many names on the 2012 list are sporting identities. Only one makes it into the top 20. here’s what Libby Trickett, winner of five Olympic and seven Commonwealth medals, has to say about trust.

“Trust for me is the basis of all relationships in life. Along with honesty, it is the trait I value most in myself and those closest to me. I believe that it is the foundation that we build friendships off, and the starting point from where we navigate the world.

“I think trust in sport matters because the Australian public trusts us to represent them. Whether it be representing their local team, their state or their country, we are entrusted with representing them with loyalty, integrity and determination. Sport can inspire the best in us and that comes from – and leads back to – trust and belief.”

What’s not to trust about Trickett? She’s dedicated, untarnished by scandal, has a girl-next-door smile and a strong sense of familiarity. Australians adore their swimmers, and Trickett is the girl holding our attention at London 2012. This is one athlete whose reputation for being a clean, reliable and all-round hardworking athlete has helped earn her a prominent place on the world stage. 

Business

Most Trusted businessman and fifth overall, Dick smith, adventurer and entrepreneur, believes this:

“It’s important to be trusted in business because it’s rare that an individual can be successful without involving others. If those others see that you are not trustworthy, they will very quickly make judgments that will work against the success of the business.”

Dick Smith launched his first business venture in 1968, and he’s been part of the Australian landscape ever since. He has entertained us with his adventures around the globe and inspired us with his brave stands against foreign ownership of local icons – he puts his money where his mouth is and voices what many are thinking.

In recent years, Smith’s stands on issues such as population growth, sustainable energy use and foreign ownership of Tasmanian farms have kept him busy. He’s self-deprecating, honest, genuine and, above all, out to protect others.