McKeon’s message

The new Australian of the Year, Simon McKeon, acknowledged yesterday that he had joined a very short list – business people to be given Australia’s top public gong.

There was Dick Smith back in 1986, and before him Alan Bond in 1978 – an appointment that McKeon dryly acknowledged was “somewhat regrettable”.

But it seems doubtful that the panel that chooses the winner will have much to regret about McKeon’s selection.

The former investment banker – who admits that the sharemarket has been “kind” to him and his family – has worked tirelessly on charitable causes, mainly in the areas of disability, poverty and youth causes.

What’s most interesting about McKeon, who was himself diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 10 years ago, it that he hasn’t just donated money to charitable causes.

Indeed, what’s most impressive about his story is that he’s become actively involved in charities at both a top level (as a director of World Vision and MS Research Australia) and at a grassroots level (as a volunteer counsellor of drug addicts and as a carer for a disabled family member).

The idea of giving more than money is one McKeon appears determined to promote. Yesterday he said that while he does work hard to get money out of corporate and wealthy donors, he always asks for a “piece” of the donor, to get them involved in charitable work.

“The richness of experience to be had in this sector is incredible and everyone should be involved.”

It’s an idea that should provoke thought among entrepreneurs. And with interest in philanthropy among business people clearly on the rise – in part through initiatives such as from Warren Buffett and Bill Gates, who want the wealthy to give away at least half of their fortunes – it’s great to see these discussions gaining traction.

It’s also great to see that McKeon is keen to raise the public perception of the business community and highlight the fact it does contain some “outstanding individuals”.

Hey, if the last three Australian cricket captains can become Australian of the Year, maybe we can even find a few more captains of industry to recognise.