Business chiefs eye government jobs

The election is over, the Labor government is dead. But the jostling for power - and plum jobs - goes on.

Many in the business community - which had a prickly relationship with the former government - are waiting on details of who will advise the government on promised business advisory councils.

The most prominent council will be the Prime Minister's Business Advisory Council, which will be chaired by former ABC and ASX chairman Maurice Newman, and draw on representatives of manufacturing, agriculture, resources and services. Key members of prominent business groups, such as the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, are also expected to get the nod for that council.

The Coalition has also promised to establish ministerial advisory councils for each cabinet minister, which would meet each quarter to advise the minister and relevant department on policy and red tape.

Business leaders contacted by Fairfax Media said despite the Coalition win being widely predicted, and some shadow ministers being long established, it was still too early to detail who would get the government's ear.

Business leaders expected to gain key roles under the new government are Ziggy Switkowski, as chairman of NBN Co, and David Murray, as head of a financial services inquiry. Fortescue founder Andrew Forrest and David Peever, managing director of Rio Tinto Australia, may be included on a new energy and resources sector advisory council.