Retail giant Harvey Norman repays controversial $6m JobKeeper support. But chairman Gerry Harvey won't say why he backed down.

Businessman Gerry Harvey has refused to explain the retailer's sudden decision to repayment $6 million in JobKeeper wage support payments received during the pandemic. 

The normally upfront Harvey Norman chairman said he had been subjected to a hate campaign on social media after the company posted strong profits while receiving the support. 

Mr Harvey also told ABC's Peter Ryan that while business is booming, a recession looks likely with Sydney and Melbourne locked down indefinitely.