Australian multimillionaire developer Tim Gurner has issued an apology for his controversial comments about the post-pandemic workforce. Gurner faced criticism for his remarks that workers are “arrogant” and less productive since the COVID-19 pandemic, and for suggesting that more job losses are necessary to address this issue. In a statement, Gurner expressed deep regret for his earlier remarks, acknowledging that they were “wrong” and “insensitive” to the employees, tradies, and families across Australia who are impacted by job losses and cost-of-living pressures.
During a property event on Sept. 12, Gurner identified declining productivity, bureaucratic planning systems, and inefficient taxes as major obstacles to housing supply in the country. He suggested that a higher unemployment rate could be a solution to address the declining work ethic, stating that people had “decided they didn’t want to work so much anymore through COVID,” which had a significant impact on productivity. Gurner emphasized the need to remind people that they work for the employer, not the other way around.
Gurner’s remarks sparked strong criticism from politicians and unions. U.S. Democrat Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez reposted the video, highlighting the significant disparity between CEO and worker pay. Liberal MP Keith Wolahan described the comments as “out of touch,” emphasizing that job losses have real consequences for individuals and families. Labor MP Julian Hill criticized Gurner’s views on unemployment and industrial relations as self-interested. Australian Council of Trade Unions President Michele O’Neil condemned Gurner’s comments as “shocking and offensive.”
While Gurner’s comments were met with criticism, some Australian corporate leaders and economists share concerns about a decline in work ethic. Professor Gigi Foster, an economist at the University of New South Wales, agrees that some bad habits have emerged in the post-pandemic workforce. She attributes this to the long-term costs of Australia’s COVID-19 policies. However, she warns that there are no simple solutions to improve productivity and work ethics. Minerals Council of Australia chairman Andrew Michelmore points to the impact of remote work on productivity, cautioning that a decrease in production may lead to lower standards of living for individuals and the country as a whole.