Now that’s good service

IN an age where it is a challenge to find someone to serve you, how I remember, years ago, when going into FitzGerald’s Hobart Store (one of seven) to buy a pair of shoes Mr Peter FitzGerald, chairman and managing director (who usually called me Michael) walked past and said “Good morning Mr Scott — how can I help?” I explained that as the assistant on duty was busy I was just waiting to buy a pair of shoes. Much to my embarrassment Mr FitzGerald said, “What size do you take?” and returned with a selection of shoes for me to try on and, once I had selected a pair he, while kneeling, proceeded to fit them. He was without doubt Tasmania’s finest retailer and that day I learnt two things — the meaning of service and the fact that, despite his position, the most important person in the store was the customer. I always believed changing the name from FitzGerald’s to Harris Scarfe defied logic.

Treasury hotel

SCOTT Bacon of the Labor Party and the Tourist Council are spot on in suggesting that the Treasury Building should be transformed into a luxury five-star hotel. In many countries, historic buildings are being transformed into boutique accommodation, attracting upmarket clientele, the tourism segment we should be targeting for Tasmania. These visitors will spend time and money enjoying our fine food and wine in sophisticated surroundings. The building layout is not ideal for Treasury staff, costs over $200,000 a year to maintain, but the central courtyard could easily become a magnificent atrium surrounded by luxury hotel facilities. The location is perfect, the tourism potential is huge and all that is needed to make it a reality is some vision from Will Hodgman, our Premier and Minister for Tourism. we are entitled to know how much they have their snouts in the trough of the taxpayer. We are entitled to see what the ABC is spending on these people instead of producing quality programs, deleted because they don’t have the funds. the (not yet habitable) other centres that Australia is building. Doctors, nurses, teachers and health workers have spoken out against the cruel treatment. They have no vested interest in the outcome either and could face prosecution. I know who I believe. Shame Australia.