For a period of five years Gina Rinehart, the iron-ore tycoon, sat atop Australia’s richest charts, however she has now been dethroned – by another woman.
In their latest report on Australia’s richest people «Forbes» noted Gina Rinehart's wealth has fallen by $ 3.2 billion to $ 8.5 billion over the past year as the double whammy of falling iron ore prices and a legal ruling which impacted her shareholding in Hancock Prospecting, took their significant toll.
Taking over the position as Australia’s richest person is American heiress Blair Parry-Okeden, a longtime resident of Australia whose ex-husband is Australian, with an $8.8 billion fortune.
Inherited wealth
Blair Parry-Okeden, grew up in Hawaii and moved to Australia several decades ago. Following her mother's death, she inherited a quarter of American media conglomerate Cox Enterprises.
The residential property magnate Harry Triguboff ranks number three on this year's list, with his net worth coming in at $6.9 billion.
Among those dropping out of the list were Swiss based commodities investor Ivan Glasenberg.
The Top Ten Wealthiest Australians
1. Blair Parry-Okeden, $US 8.8 billion
2. Gina Rinehart, $US 8.5 billion
3. Harry Triguboff, $US 6.9 billion
4. Frank Lowy, $US 5 billion
5. Anthony Pratt, $US 3.6 billion
6. James Packer, $US 3.5 billion
7. John Gandel, $US 3.2 billion
8. Lindsay Fox, $US 2.8 billion
9. David Teoh, $US 1.95 billion
10. David Hains, $US 1.9 billion
