Treasurer to Open Hobart’s First Locally Owned Bank
Thursday, 21/02/2008
Tasmanian Treasurer the Hon. Michael Aird will today officially open Hobart’s first locally owned bank branch, a move expected to shake up the banking industry and give consumers greater choice.
To be both owned and managed by Sandy Bay banker Don MacLeod, the Bank of Queensland franchised branch will bring a new era in customer service to banking in the city.
Mr MacLeod says the key benefit of the Owner-Managed Branch is putting customers in direct touch with someone who knows them and who can actually help them.
“For people who haven’t experienced the BOQ way, it’s like getting your own personal bank manager,” he says.
The buck literally stops with me – if my customers aren’t happy, it’s my business on the line.
“In a relatively small but strongly developing market like Hobart, my branch offers customers unhappy with their own bank a genuine, service-oriented alternative.
“It’s not like other banks where, if you have a question or complaint, you phone a call centre in another state or country -- if my customers have a problem they come in and see me or call me on my mobile 24 / 7 and I will sort it out for them.
“My branch will also bring many benefits to the local community including capital investment and employment opportunities.
Mr MacLeod has 25 years’ experience in retail and business banking, 13 of them in Hobart.
Bank of Queensland Hobart is located in the centre of the CBD at 46 Murray Street, near St David’s Cathedral and can be reached direct on 6214 0700.
