The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has revealed that the total cost of its website overhaul amounted to approximately $86 million, following a wave of public criticism over delays and budget overruns. The revelation comes after the agency faced backlash from users and government officials, prompting an apology and promises of further improvements.
This week, BoM acknowledged the mishandling of the website’s launch, marking its first redesign in a decade. Environment Minister Murray Watt criticized the site for not meeting user expectations, while the federal opposition highlighted its impact on Queenslanders’ preparedness for recent rains. In response to the backlash, BoM reverted to the previous color scheme on its radar and weather maps.
Cost Breakdown and Criticism
The public-facing component of the website, which alone cost $4.1 million, was part of a broader IT overhaul known as the Robust program. This initiative, spanning nearly a decade, cost the bureau a staggering $866 million. BoM confirmed that around 10% of this investment was allocated to the website and its supporting systems.
“Improving the security, stability and resilience of this supporting infrastructure and data was the work of the Robust program,” a BoM spokesperson stated. “The total cost of the program was $866 million, with approximately 10% of that investment connected to the overall website and its supporting systems.”
David Littleproud, leader of the Nationals, expressed disbelief at the expenditure, questioning the value for money and demanding transparency over the improvements made. He emphasized the importance of the BoM website for Australians, particularly those relying on it for weather-related decisions affecting livestock and machinery.
Contractual Challenges and Vendor Performance
The overhaul involved significant contracts with consulting firms Accenture and Deloitte. Accenture received $78 million for the website aspect, despite the original contract being valued at $31 million. Deloitte’s involvement, initially estimated at $11 million, ultimately cost $35 million. The BoM faced criticism for extending Accenture’s contract nine times.
When questioned about the contract amendments, BoM cited dependency delays and additional technology integration work. Despite the cost overruns, the agency stated that penalty clauses were unenforceable, and vendor performance did not warrant financial remedies.
“Robust program contracts include contract remedies to guide the management of vendor performance,” BoM explained. “These specific financial remedies have not been applied because the performance of vendors has been consistent with their commitments under each respective contract.”
Historical Context and Future Implications
The Robust program was deemed crucial following a serious cyber intrusion in 2015, which exposed vulnerabilities in BoM’s systems. Initially budgeted at $788.4 million, the program exceeded its budget by $77.6 million, covered by existing appropriations.
Greens Senator Barbara Pocock has been a vocal critic, questioning the bureau’s spending and leadership. She stressed the need for a competent bureau capable of providing timely and accurate weather information, especially as climate challenges intensify.
“We need a bureau that builds public expertise, not one that outsources to expensive contractors delivering poor results,” Pocock argued. “Lives and livelihoods depend on the bureau getting it right.”
Despite initial dismissals of criticism, akin to the response following the 2020 mobile app refresh, BoM has been actively addressing user concerns. The agency has been guiding users on navigating the new site, clarifying that some reported missing features were, in fact, available.
As the BoM continues to refine its digital presence, the focus remains on restoring public trust and ensuring the website meets the needs of its diverse user base. The ongoing scrutiny underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in public sector projects, particularly those with significant financial implications.
