A prominent multi-billion-dollar fund manager has ignited controversy by publicly criticising what he terms 'woke' workers, asserting they fundamentally undermine team cohesion and workplace morale. Ben Cleary, a partner at Tribeca Investment Partners, has outlined a strikingly specific set of criteria for prospective employees at his firm's Brisbane office, placing cultural fit above conventional qualifications.
Three Non-Negotiable Hiring Rules in Queensland
In a candid interview with the Courier Mail, Mr Cleary revealed his three essential requirements for new hires in Brisbane. 'You have to support Queensland in the State of Origin, have to enjoy a cold XXXX and most importantly you can't be woke,' he stated unequivocally. This blunt declaration highlights a deliberate strategy to cultivate a particular office environment, one he believes is threatened by progressive social attitudes.
The fund manager is actively seeking to expand his Brisbane team, which currently stands at ten staff, for the Asia-Pacific-focused asset management and advisory firm. He expressed strong confidence in the local talent pool, remarking, 'The talent in Brisbane is compelling.' However, his expansion plans come with a clear ideological filter aimed at preserving what he views as essential team dynamics.
Lessons from Sydney: Wokeness and Workplace Discord
Mr Cleary's stance is informed by previous experiences within his own organisation. He claimed that accommodating 'wokeness' had a demonstrably negative impact in their Sydney office, serving as a cautionary tale. 'It's a sure-fire way to ruin team spirit if you relent to wokeness. We've seen it before in our Sydney office and won't be making that mistake again,' he explained. This perspective frames his hiring policy as a proactive measure to avoid internal conflict and maintain productivity.
He further praised the inherent work ethic of Queenslanders, suggesting a unique regional character. 'Maybe there is something in the water, but sadly most of them have to leave because of a lack of job opportunities,' he noted, implying that his firm's expansion could help retain local talent that might otherwise seek employment elsewhere.
Brisbane's Economic Surge and Olympic Opportunities
The hiring strategy coincides with a significant economic shift towards Queensland, particularly Brisbane. Mr Cleary observed that numerous financial companies are establishing a presence in the city, anticipating substantial benefits from the lead-up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. He pointed to timely investment opportunities in key local sectors.
'The timing's right for funding to be found locally in Queensland for the four pillars – agriculture, construction, resources and tourism,' he asserted, indicating a strategic alignment between his firm's growth and the state's economic development.
Data Reflects Growing Corporate Interest in Queensland
Supporting this trend, recent data from FCM Travel, the corporate division of Flight Centre Travel Group, reveals a notable increase in business travel to regional Queensland. According to the Courier Mail, corporate bookings to Rockhampton from Brisbane surged by 34 per cent in the final quarter of 2025. Similarly, travel to Townsville experienced a 17 per cent year-on-year rise.
Renos Rologas, FCM Travel's ANZ general manager, emphasised the evolving economic landscape. 'The fact is, it’s not just project coordinators heading to the regions anymore – it’s executives, decision-makers, and investors,' he said, describing regional Queensland locations as an 'economic powerhouse.'
Personal Return and Property Investments
Mr Cleary's professional focus on Brisbane follows a personal homecoming. After two decades working overseas in financial hubs like London, Hong Kong, and Singapore, he returned to his hometown in 2020. His return has been accompanied by significant high-end property acquisitions, underscoring his commitment to the area.
In 2020, he and his wife Jane purchased a luxury penthouse in New Farm's Cutters Landing for a reported $10 million, a transaction completed within just twelve minutes. The property boasts a wellness centre and an eight-car garage. Subsequently, in 2024, the couple acquired a heritage-listed mansion in the affluent Brisbane suburb of Ascot for $23 million, setting a new residential price record for the city that year.
When approached for further comment by the Daily Mail, Mr Cleary did not provide additional statements. His remarks have nonetheless sparked a broader conversation about workplace culture, ideological diversity in professional settings, and the economic transformation of Queensland as it prepares for a global spotlight in 2032.
