The Broadband Performance Monitoring and Reporting (BPMR) program, implemented by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), will source performance data from about 4000 volunteer customers of retail service providers across the country. The program will provide consumers with clear and independent information of the actual speeds being delivered by various retailers.

By collecting and publishing information about the speed and reliability of broadband packages, consumers will be better placed to choose a plan that is right for them. It will also encourage retailers to compete on the quality of their broadband plans.

Performance information will be made publicly available for the benefit of all Australians. The ACCC will recruit householders using the NBN fixed-line network to take part. More information on how to sign up will soon be available on the ACCC website.

Office update: The Department of Finance, which administers Members and Senators office resources, has told me it is progressing the relocation of my northern electorate office from Port Macquarie to Wauchope. It is hoped the new office in Hastings Street will be available by July. This process is handled independently by the department and the timing is often influenced by office space availability, terms of leasing and of course the office fitout itself. My other full-time office is in Victoria Street, Taree. I also have mobile offices in various towns from north of the Hunter River at Maitland to Rollands Plains north of Wauchope, and often conduct constituent interviews at various council offices throughout the electorate. If you wish to drop me a line on an issue of a federal nature, I can be contacted at david.gillespie.mp@aph.gov.au