Gerry Harvey, the Australian retail magnate, doesn’t shy away from controversy. In a now infamous interview on Australian current affairs show 60 Minutes, the billionaire described COVID-19 as a great business opportunity. Following a backlash, Harvey complained that “everyone thinks I’m this callous old bastard out making a profit on other people’s misery.” For once, Harvey was completely right.

As lockdowns forced many to stay at home, sales of furniture, homewares, and appliances went through the roof. As a result, the Australian retail chain Harvey Norman more than doubled its profits to $462 million last year. Gerry Harvey, who owns more than 30 percent of the company, reaped more than $70 million in dividends, growing his personal wealth by 24 percent.

Financial prosperity did not, however, mean that Harvey Norman’s was above taking government handouts. The company raked in an additional $22 million in JobKeeper wage subsidies that were intended to prevent struggling businesses from implementing layoffs. Not content with benefiting from massive upward redistribution, in November 2020 the company appealed for volunteers to help with the “busy back to school period.” In return for their services, these volunteers received vouchers and store credits.