The grandson of one of Australia’s biggest fortunes has made his first public appearance, vowing to use his privilege for good.
As the son of billionaire businessman and investor Jamie Packer, many believe Jackson Lloyd Packer will take over the Packer dynasty of newspapers, casinos and enormous wealth.
But the teen considered Australia’s richest baby says he just wants to “help”.
Just 14-years-old, Jackson is following in his mothers footsteps by becoming a UNICEF ambassador.
The teen travelled war torn Moldova to help children living in refugee camps and has spent time volunteering in early learning centres in one of Europe’s poorest countries.
“I definitely want to help out … I’ve had so much growing up and I’m so thankful for that,” he told A Current Affair on Monday night.
“These kids have been stripped to have nothing and it’s just better if we can, you know, all share what we have and make life easier for these kids going through an incredibly hard time.”
Jackson’s volunteer work is a far cry from his life and upbringing alongside his sisters Indigo and Emmanuelle in Los Angeles, admitting travelling to Moldova has significantly broadened his perspective.
“It’s definitely shown and broadened my scope of things because you see all these children who have been like displaced and they’ve had to run away,” Jackson said.
“You see those camps and those children and they’re still smiling. They’re still playing. And it really shows how, not only is it the little things that count, but it shows how some things that we obsess over, that we shouldn’t really care about, aren’t that important.
“Even though we have come from a privileged upbringing … I’ve been able to see so much more and such a broader perspective.”
Erica Packer, Jackson’s mother, first had the idea to take Jackson to Moldova and said it was important to her that her three children understand the responsibility that comes with wealth.
“Australia as a country is very privileged – our family in particular is very privileged,” Erica said.
“It’s really important to me that the kids grow up really understanding the responsibility that they have.
Outside of his charitable work, Jackson admitted he is just like any other 14-year-old, spending his spare time building Lego and jigsaw puzzles.