It is one of those unfortunate elements of Australiana that our subaltern mindset leads us to adopt the habits of our great and powerful friends.
In the case of liberal capitalism, and the increasing influence of US-style billionaires upon our culture, economy and politics, our mega-wealthy have happily endorsed a system that promotes and protects their fortunes. What has not been so readily adopted from the US (except by an outstanding few) is the habit of the super-rich of that country of becoming super-benefactors, with enormous amounts of money poured into global charitable works, some of which are so big that they’re beyond even the scope of government.
Australia’s wealthy are notoriously tight-fisted by comparison.
It is therefore always rewarding and admirable to see a local billionaire doing his bit and the recently departed Paul Ramsay is one of those:
The $3.3 billion stake in private hospital operator Ramsay Health Care owned by the company’s late founder and chairman Paul Ramsay will be transferred to the Paul Ramsay Foundation which will “be of enduring benefit to the Australian community.”
Bravo!
