Harvey Norman’s repayment of $6 million in JobKeeper payments establishes a new ethical test for businesses that had one hand out for taxpayer subsidies while another raked in healthy profits during the pandemic.
Many companies applied for the subsidy after fearing a massive downturn in sales at the beginning of the pandemic. A surge in online shopping helped some businesses during this period, especially large retailers. Many, including Harvey Norman, prospered during the pandemic, including during lockdownAfter facing public pressure to give the money back, and previously refusing, Harvey Norman founder Gerry Harvey finally announced to the ASX on Tuesday that it would return $6.
Federal government figures show that 157,650 businesses that received $4.6 billion in JobKeeper payments had increased their turnover between April to June last year compared with the same period the previous year. The number increased to 195,381 businesses that received $8.4 billion in JobKeeper payments in the July to September quarter.
If businesses want a credible and influential voice in the community, they should stop mouthing greedy protestations which are offensive to many at a time when real wages have fallen and thousands of small businesses face severe hardship and closure. Business codes of corporate social responsibility demand a higher degree of ethical standards.
Yes jobkeeper was a good idea. Those businesses who were overpaid should pay that money back. auspol AustralianIndustryGroup HarveyNorman HarveyNormanKeeper GerryHarvey APEagers Domain SuperRetail Rebel BCF AndrewLeigh MorrisonFailure MorrisonGovernment
so he's keeping the other $16m, the guy is absolute scum.
It would have been better had he given it to his employees. It would provide a degree of economic stimulus, at least. It serves no purpose handing it to the government.
Jesus fucking Christ the herald putting Harvey Norman and ethical in the same sentence is a new low
HARVEY NORMANS’ refusal to repay $14m in ProfitKeeper payments establishes new ethical low for business in Australia. Fixed it for ya.
Still doesn’t even cover wages that Derni employees keep even though the aren’t essential any more. Do the math find out where that money goes. Guaranteed it is not to Gerry
Got $22 million and gave back $6 million. Harvey is still profiting from JobKeeper. He's a grub.
AlboMP ScottMorrisonMP tanya_plibersek Deborah_ONeill SenatorWong JessWalshVic MurrayWatt nitagreenqld ayrestim hollieahughes SenSHenderson SenatorDodson
The reason they gave back $6 million is probably self interest, not ethics. With a huge increase in earnings, they would look terrible if they did not give back something. I won't be going back to Harvey Norman. I have already taken my business elsewhere.
Wouldn't it be a shame if the list was 'accidently' leaked
Nah
What UTTER BULLSHIT he paid back under 30% od job keeper despite lieing out of his arse to get it in the first place. Paid the balance as board executive bonuses.
Yes, time to name and shame AND THEN BOYCOTT THEM BoycottHarveyNorman
you just love that ad money! pathetic!
Until he repays the other $16 million, he will continue to be a greedy, immoral and unethical businessman!
Jerry fell off the greedy bastard band wagon