Myer CEO Bernie Brookes has apologised "to those who may have been offended or hurt" by his comments on the National Disability Insurance Scheme, but reiterated his concerns that a levy would be bad for business.
Myer, Australia's largest department store chain, has been weathering a storm of social media criticism after Mr Brookes told a Macquarie Investment seminar on Wednesday that the estimated average of $350 a year that people will pay for the Medicare levy "is something they would have spent with us".
The comments were seen by some as the retail giant putting profit before the interests of millions of Australians who would benefit under the scheme.
On Thursday morning, Mr Brookes emailed a statement, saying: "I want to make it clear that Myer supports the introduction of an NDIS. Like many Australians, we support a scheme like the NDIS that will support the needs of individuals, families and carers for those with a disability.
"As a business, we are sensitive to imposts on the consumer by the government as this adds to negative consumer sentiment and that adversely impacts sales, profit and jobs. Ideally, we would like any government initiative to be funded within the revenue stream it has, rather than through a new or additional tax take.
"However, I do apologise to those who have taken offence to my comments about an increase in taxes," Mr Brookes concluded.
The original Fairfax Media story containing Mr Brookes' comments was tweeted more than 1000 times with a...
Comedian and disability advocate Stella Young led the charge with a tweet that gained the most traction, being retweeted more than 200 times
"Oh come ON! Seriously? … DISABLED PEOPLE ARE YOUR CUSTOMERS TOO! #BoycottMyer #NDIS"
Deirdre Rose tweeted: "#BernieBrookes concerns will become a self fulfilling prophesy. I wont shop at #Myer again. And its entirely his own fault.#boycottmyer."
Citizen Dan tweeted: "I'd imagine that Myer's is going to have a VERY disappointing Mother's Day trade this year. #boycottMyer."
Boycott Myer sites popped up along with numerous threads of fierce criticisms on other social media.
On Thursday morning, Myer posted a message on their Facebook site saying the company supports the NDIS, while suggesting the comments were taken out of context.
"Ideally, we would like any government initiative to be funded within the revenue stream it has, rather than through a new or additional tax take," the statement read.
But the clarification only further enraged NDIS supporters.
Rachelle Cooke posted a Facebook response: "I don't think it is appropriate or professional for your company to be making political statements. I don't feel it will be good for your consumer sentiment. Disappointing Myer."
Clinical Senior Lecturer at Deakin University School of Medicine Michael Vagg wrote on The Conversation website blog that he was lost for words.
"I simply can't imagine how a wealthy middle-aged man like Mr Brookes who has climbed the corporate ladder and been a huge beneficiary of our generous tax and superannuation concessions to the top 10 per cent of earners could gripe and rail against a measure which would bring his company a huge windfall."
Critics also referred to a report from August 2011, when Myer extended Mr Brookes' contract through to August 2014 with a sal...
Myer's Facebook page, predominantly used to promote Myer's retail offerings, was bombarded with criticisms from irate NDIS supporters.
Susan Currie, from Brisbane, posted: "Your explanation about your comments on losing money to disability does not hold water. As a long-term regular Myer shopper, I will no longer be shopping with you."
Read more: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/business/myer-in-social-media-storm-over-ndis-comments-20130502-2iu4...
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