In the echo chambers of left-wing commentary, there's a persistent narrative: wealthy entrepreneurs are villains who extract more from society than they contribute. They paint a picture of greedy tycoons hoarding riches while the rest of us scrape by, and argue for punitive taxes and regulations to "redistribute" their success. But here's the reality check – the majority of everyday people don't buy into that caricature. They recognize that these innovators create jobs, drive economic growth, and generate the wealth that funds our schools, hospitals, and infrastructure. Far from resenting them, most Australians understand that wealthy entrepreneurs give far more than they take. And that's why we need policies that encourage them to stay here and attract more from abroad.

Don't take my word for it. Look at the evidence from across the pond. A recent poll by the Adam Smith Institute and Onward, conducted in July 2024, revealed overwhelming support among Brits for measures to retain and attract "wealth creators." Over two-thirds (67%) of the British public – including 69% of Labour voters – backed special tax treatments to prevent wealthy individuals from leaving the UK. Even more strikingly, 74% supported policies making it easier for entrepreneurs and investors to relocate to and invest in Britain. This "Prosperity Package" included ideas like requiring wealthy immigrants to use private healthcare (68% support) and private schooling (65% support), alongside a broader acceptance of immigration if newcomers contribute more than they consume (74% agreement).

These numbers shatter the left's assumption that the public harbors deep-seated envy toward the successful. Instead, they show a pragmatic understanding: wealthy entrepreneurs aren't just sitting on piles of cash; they're the engines of prosperity. They start businesses, employ people, pay taxes, and spur innovation that benefits everyone. In the UK poll, 53% overall supported the full Prosperity Package, with opposition at a mere 15%. This isn't partisan cheerleading – it's cross-spectrum common sense.

Now, you might ask: what does a British poll have to do with Australia? Plenty. Our societies share similar values, economic structures, and challenges. If Brits, often stereotyped as more class-conscious, overwhelmingly favor keeping their wealth creators, it's reasonable to infer Australians feel the same. In fact, local data backs this up. According to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) reports on Australia, over 70% of Australians respect successful entrepreneurs and believe they receive positive media attention. Around 60% view entrepreneurs as earning high levels of respect in society, and 55% see entrepreneurship as a good career choice. These figures highlight a cultural appreciation for those who take risks and build value – a far cry from the left's portrayal of widespread resentment.

Yet, despite this public goodwill, Australia's policies are pushing our entrepreneurs away. We've seen headlines about a "millionaire exodus," with high-net-worth individuals relocating to lower-tax jurisdictions like Singapore, Dubai, or even Bali. One businessman recently claimed he doubled his wealth overnight by leaving Australia due to our punishing tax regime. Proposed ideas like taxing unrealized gains could accelerate this trend, as experts predict it would trigger a flight of the super-rich. Meanwhile, we scrapped the Significant Investor Visa in 2024 – a program that attracted wealthy migrants willing to invest millions in our economy. The opposition has signaled plans to revive it, and rightly so. Why let other countries scoop up these job-creators while we dither?

The left argues that taxing the wealthy more will fund social programs without consequence. But polls tell a different story. While there's support for fair contributions – like adjustments to superannuation concessions for multi-million-dollar balances – the broader sentiment isn't about soaking the rich. Australians want a system that rewards hard work and innovation, not one that penalizes success. Consider the stage 3 tax cuts: even after modifications to benefit lower and middle earners more, polls showed strong backing (62% in Newspoll thought it was the right move), reflecting a desire for tax relief that keeps our economy humming. And on immigration, while there's concern about overall numbers amid housing pressures, 75% of younger Australians (18-44) see it as positive for the economy, per the Lowy Institute. Tailored policies for skilled, wealthy entrepreneurs could tap into that positivity.

Imagine the alternative: an Australia that actively courts wealth creators with competitive tax rates, streamlined visas for investors, and incentives for innovation hubs. We'd see more startups, more jobs, and more revenue flowing into public coffers. The UK poll shows the public gets this – 74% want easier relocation for entrepreneurs. We should follow suit with our own Prosperity Package: reinstate and expand investor visas, offer tax breaks for R&D investments by high-net-worth individuals, and resist knee-jerk wealth taxes that drive talent overseas.

To the left-wing critics: your arguments might play well in academic circles or on social media, but they don't reflect the views of most Australians. People aren't clamoring for class warfare; they're pragmatic about prosperity. Wealthy entrepreneurs aren't the problem – they're the solution. By understanding their outsized contributions, the majority supports keeping them here and bringing more in. It's time our policies caught up.

If we don't, we'll watch our best and brightest head elsewhere, taking their ideas, investments, and jobs with them. Australia deserves better.