Weather bureau CEO orders review after $96m website debacle

An independent review of the Bureau of Meteorology has been ordered by its new CEO, months after the national agency copped significant backlash over its multi-million dollar website relaunch last year.

The agency announced the review Tuesday afternoon, saying it would inform the bureau’s future strategy to ensure it could meet the future needs of Australians, communicate effectively, and maintain its reputation and the public’s trust and confidence in its advice.

The review will be led by Phillip Glyde, former Chief Executive of the Murray–Darling Basin Authority, supported by Sean Sullivan, the deputy secretary of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water and public policy advisor Raj Nahna.

CEO Dr Stuart Minchin, who took the reins of the national weather and climate agency in October of last year, said in a statement it was a chance to take a “fresh look at what matters most to the Australian community and to ensure we are well positioned to meet future challenges and opportunities” ahead of the Bureau’s next strategic plan coming into effect mid-next year.

“We deeply value the trust that the Australian public and our customers place in us,” Minchin said.

“Our work underpins essential services, economic activity, environmental health and community wellbeing, for all Australians every day, so it’s important we get it right.

“This review will help the Bureau of Meteorology better understand current and future customer needs and ensure our strategy and services are squarely focussed on the things that are important to the Australian community, our customers and partners.

“The review is firmly focused on the future.

“It is about ensuring the bureau remains a trusted, modern and responsive organisation that continues to meet the needs and expectations of a changing world.”

Environment minister Murray Watt said Bureau staff performed complex work under pressure and the review would bring an “independent perspective to understanding the services being delivered and how that value can be strengthened into the future”.

“BOM’s role in keeping Australia safe, informed and prepared in a changing climate has never been more vital,” he said.

“Maintaining trust in, and ensuring the effectiveness of, BOM’s information and services is essential.

“Many Australians rely on BOM to make decisions on-farm, at work and in severe weather, and I know we’re all committed to ensuring that future services meet people’s needs and expectations.”

The review panel is expected to report back by March 31, 2027.