Mike Cannon-Brookes, the co-founder of Atlassian, has found himself at the center of controversy following the purchase of his new private jet, valued at approximately $80 million. Despite being known as one of Australia's leading climate change advocates, Cannon-Brookes' decision to acquire and utilize the Bombardier 7500 has drawn sharp criticisms from environmentalists and social media users alike.
The backlash began on March 16, 2025, when reports emerged detailing Cannon-Brookes' use of the jet, which he boarded with his family for a trip to the Formula One race in Melbourne. Critics swiftly took to social media, questioning the billionaire's commitment to combating climate change. One user remarked, "The poor family's carbon emission is the problem but common F1 and private jets are okay for the environment?" Such comments highlighted the perceived hypocrisy of someone who publicly champions sustainability yet indulges in luxury travel.
Cannon-Brookes was seen early on March 15, with his three children and father at Sydney Airport, preparing for the flight to Melbourne. The timing of this trip raised questions about whether it aligned with his principles as someone actively engaged in climate advocacy.
Facing mounting criticism, Cannon-Brookes took to LinkedIn, publishing a lengthy manifesto. He addressed the concerns surrounding his jet purchase directly, stating, "Personal security is the primary reason (an unfortunate reality of my world), but also so I can run a global business from Australia, and still be a constantly present dad." His reasoning emphasizes the challenges faced by high-profile individuals needing to balance work and family.
Despite the backlash, Cannon-Brookes maintains his commitment to environmental causes. He defended his participation with the Formula One team Williams, acknowledging potential contradictions but highlighting the sport's efforts toward sustainability. "I can appreciate the double-take on Atlassian's F1 sponsorship because... cars = fuel," he noted in his LinkedIN. Importantly, he defended his carbon footprint, claiming his private travel has achieved "a net negative carbon footprint" due to his stringent carbon management practices.
While Cannon-Brookes admits, "private air travel is also carbon-intensive and one of the most difficult sectors to decarbonise," he emphasized his proactive stance on sustainability, asserting, "I'm still pretty damn focused on making an impact at large scale." This positioning aims to counteract the public perception of disingenuousness reflected through various critiques.
Cannon-Brookes' lavish lifestyle puts him under scrutiny, especially considering his wealth of roughly $24.38 billion, as noted by the latest Financial Review Rich List. The billionaire recently finalized a split from his wife Annie after 13 years, stirring speculation on how their considerable joint fortune will be allocated, which includes various properties and significant investments.
The public outcry surrounding Cannon-Brookes is intensified not only by his recent jet purchase but also by previous discussions he has prompted about sustainability and altering dietary habits for environmental benefits. He has previously suggested increasing insect consumption to help achieve dietary sustainability. Cannon-Brookes claims, "I'm a big fan of cricket flour and insect eating.... The logic totally stacks up - Low planet footprint, high protein, sustainable etc."
Through this multifaceted narrative, Cannon-Brookes' actions can be dissected as reactions to societal expectations versus the realities of his lifestyle as both a billionaire tech mogul and devoted father. His recent decisions exemplify the constant balancing act faced by individuals of wealth and influence, particularly when their actions may conflict with their public personas. The wave of criticisms he faces serves as a reminder of the societal limits and expectations placed on wealth, even among those who advocate for the necessary changes toward sustainability.
Until then, Cannon-Brookes continues to navigate the waters of public perception, as he strives not only to maintain his lifestyle but also to fulfill his commitments to climate advocacy, leaving many to ponder the sincerity of his dual life as both advocate and affluent entrepreneur.