Full description
The Bureau of Meteorology is Australia's national weather, climate and water agency. Its expertise and services assist Australians in dealing with the harsh realities of their natural environment, including drought, floods, fires, storms, tsunami and tropical cyclones. Through regular forecasts, warnings, monitoring and advice spanning the Australian region and Antarctic territory, the Bureau provides one of the most fundamental and widely used services of government.
The Bureau contributes to national social, economic, cultural and environmental goals by providing observational, meteorological, hydrological and oceanographic services and by undertaking research into science and environment related issues in support of its operations and services.
The Bureau of Meteorology operates under the authority of the Meteorology Act 1955 and the Water Act 2007 which provide the legal basis for its activities, while its operation is continually assessed in accordance with the national need for climatic records, water information, scientific understanding of Australian weather and climate and effective service provision to the Australian community. The Bureau of Meteorology must also fulfill Australia's international obligations under the Convention of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and related international meteorological treaties and agreements.
On 1 July 2002, the Bureau of Meteorology became an Executive Agency under the Public Service Act 1999, and on 12 September 2002 it became a prescribed agency under the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997. Under the Public Service Act, the Director of Meteorology has the powers and responsibilities of an agency head, and under current administrative arrangements reports to the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities.
Our outcomes
Informed safety, security and economic decisions by governments, industry, and the community through the provision of information, forecasts, services and research relating to weather, climate and water.
Our programs
The Bureau delivers its outcome through two programs, one of which has five program components.
1. Bureau of Meteorology
1.1 Observations
1.2 Warnings and weather forecasts
1.3 Climate information
1.4 Water information
1.5 Environmental information
1.2 Modernisation and extension of hydrologic monitoring systems
These programs are facilitated by a portfolio of supporting functions in areas such as information technology, research, data systems, human resources and infrastructure planning.
Our vision
To provide Australians with environmental intelligence for safety, sustainability,
well-being and prosperity.
Our focus
Over the past decade, the Bureau has responded to the need for new products and services including information on space weather, oceans and water resources while pushing ahead in our traditional strengths of weather and climate. These achievements are the foundation for our future as we move to become the nation’s authority in environmental intelligence.