I work in the digital home team at ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳testing things like TVs, speakers, fitness bands and other household digital gadgets. I also work with some outdoor products like pressure cleaners, line trimmers and pool cleaners (it's nice to have a bit of variety).
I have a Bachelor of Science from the University of Sydney, where I majored in computer science. Prior to CHOICE, I worked for an insurance company for 20 years as a programmer and analyst. I was looking for work when I came across the role at ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳and the idea of testing products was very appealing to me.
I currently represent consumers on two Australian Standards committees:
- TE-021 – Energy performance for Audio/Video, Information and Communication Technology and Associated Equipment
- EL-041 – Lamps and Related Equipment.
ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳operates as an independent assessor of goods and services and we're almost exclusively funded by our members. We provide them with clear, unbiased reports on the goods and services they're buying, and when we purchase goods for testing, we do it independently and anonymously and test them using objective criteria. As such, we're keenly aware that we must produce high quality, unbiased assessments on the things people want to buy.
I'm passionate about individual rights and think individuals working together to advance their mutual interests is the cause of all the progress that has been made in raising living standards and alleviating the suffering of the underprivileged. Monopolies produce terrible outcomes for consumers.
In my spare time I enjoy reading (mainly military history), watching rugby, and skiing when I can get overseas. I'm also partial to Asian food, wine and a strong cup of tea (Assam is the best).