I’m the billionaire behind Meriton: Get in my way and you’ll learn I’m not all bark: Australia needs to listen before it’s too late

Harry Triguboff, Australia's second-richest person worth $34.1 billion, has defended his property career against accusations of greed from entrepreneur Dick Smith. The 93-year-old Meriton founder insists his 60-year mission has been to boost Australia's housing supply, claiming he has delivered more than anyone else and that his wealth accumulation is inseparable from his contribution to the nation's housing.

Triguboff states he has built over 80,000 homes and would have constructed twice as many without government restrictions, and criticises outdated regulations, construction costs and banking practices that hinder development. He argues Australia needs regulatory reform and increased migration to solve its housing crisis, though Smith has accused him of cynical greed given Triguboff's vast property portfolio and financial interests in population growth.