Are we “breeding bludgers”?

Australia’s 47th richest man, billionaire Con Makris says we’re breeding bludgers here in Australia and that the next set of challenges facing our nation will be because our younger people are not conditioned to working extreme hours and putting in the hard work required to build businesses.  Whilst he has opened a can of worms with this statement, could he be right? Do we need to reset the younger generations’ work ethic to succeed as a nation in the next wave of the economy?

Makris spoke to the Sydney Morning Herald this week discussing his outlook for investment and property along with the Australian economy.

He was blunt about the next set of problems confronting Australia. He says younger people aren’t conditioned to working extreme hours and putting in the hard work required to build businesses. There are exceptions of course, he says, but there has been too much of a hand-out mentality that has wound its way through society.

“The country has been breeding bludgers,” he says.

“I truly believe, 100 per cent that Australia has lost its hard work ethic,” Makris says.

“Too many people are looking for a lifestyle. They want to go to Byron Bay and those sort of places and sit in the sun all day.”

Makris says he thinks Turnbull’s approach of building an entrepreneurial culture will help our nation adjust, but expects it will take some time yet.

“I think it’s going to take another couple of years,” Makris said to Fairfax but acknowledged his belief that we’re on the right path.

“Turnbull is a businessman and he understands what needs to happen to get things moving.”

Do you agree with Makris.  Do you think we are breeding bludgers and that this is having an effect on the Australian economy?

image: Makris website