‘Practically unusable’: Inside the BoM’s Website Shambles
The Bureau of Meteorology’s new website was released despite being three years late, almost $47 million over budget, and showing testing results below acceptable standards. The site’s launch occurred amid a period of severe weather, raising concerns about decision-making within the agency.
The project, initially much broader in scope, had been reduced before launch and faced numerous internal challenges. Despite poor test scores, executives decided to move forward with its release.
“A decision was made to release the website despite the acceptance scores falling well below the minimum acceptable for release,” said a source familiar with the testing process.
The controversy recalls the Bureau’s 2022 rebranding effort, heavily criticized for being launched during a national flood emergency. The repeated missteps have led to sharp public and internal backlash toward the agency’s leadership and management of major projects.
This website marks the final significant project overseen by outgoing BoM director and CEO Dr Andrew Johnson, who left the agency early in September to become chief executive at Gladstone Ports Corporation. Acting CEO Dr Peter Stone supervised the launch just weeks before incoming chief Dr Stuart Minchin was set to begin his tenure.
Author’s Summary
Despite major delays and testing failures, the BoM’s costly website went live amid public criticism, symbolizing deeper issues in leadership and project oversight.