Sarina Russo, founder of the Sarina Russo Group and a leading figure in Australia’s education and training sector, advises those facing the cost-of-living crisis to secure a second or even third job to manage bills.
Direct Advice on Personal Budgets
The self-proclaimed ‘job queen’ emphasizes personal responsibility over government reliance. She questions the focus on federal budgets, urging individuals to examine their own finances.
‘Everyone’s going, “Oh, what’s in the (May federal) budget?”, well, really, what’s in your budget, and what are you going to do with what you’ve got?’ Russo stated. ‘Maybe you need a second job. Maybe you need a third job. Maybe you need higher education. Maybe you need to learn AI. The government can only do so much.’
Russo stresses resilience: ‘We all have disappointments but you’ve got to keep going so we don’t become victims in our own mind and then not strive for success.’
Business Background and Wealth
Her company, the largest private provider for the federal Workforce Australia program, has secured over $1.8 billion in government contracts since 2006. Russo clarifies that these contracts require competitive tenders renewed every three to four years.
Ranked among Australia’s wealthiest women with a net worth of $344 million, she owns global properties including a New York apartment overlooking Central Park. She credits her achievements to hard work, not luck, and has assisted over a million clients through education, training, and employment services.
Her connections include former U.S. President Bill Clinton and former U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Online Backlash
The remarks ignited strong reactions on social media. Critics highlighted her company’s government funding, with one user commenting: ‘Why don’t you get a third job and stop relying on [government] funding for your job service?’
Others argued: ‘Sarina, with today’s regulations you would have never been allowed to start your business, government regulations are restricting/stopping free choice to make wealth.’ A third added: ‘Well you give all that government money back cause you clearly made your fortune off government money.’
Past Controversial Statements
Russo has faced criticism before. In 2024, an Instagram video promoting financial independence and jobs drew accusations of insensitivity amid rising living costs. She concluded: ‘Let’s get a job, let’s get excited, let’s get that passion growing and I’ll see you at the top.’
In 2022, amid Queensland floods that claimed 13 lives, she urged victims to exercise for endorphins. Filmed by the Brisbane River, she said: ‘You know when things are going wrong and the endorphins are low, this is a time you have to exercise.’
‘The desire to get fit every morning, regardless, whether it’s raining, whether it’s sunny, whether it’s too hot, whether it’s too cold, icy, snowy, whatever the weather is, if it is to be, it’s up to me,’ she added. ‘Your attitude determines your altitude. See you at the top.’
Russo advocates fitness broadly, stating: ‘In fact, I really believe that fitness is everything. You can say, “You’re successful” but if you’re not fit, you’re overeating, you’re addicted to food, alcohol, drugs, smokes, cigarettes, that’s not success.’
