Winds of change blowing at BoM as boss decides to step down later this year

The Bureau of Meteorology’s chief executive officer Andrew Johnson will not be seeking a new term in the agency’s top job, but will instead step aside from the role early in September.

Dr Johnson, who is also the BoM’s director of meteorology, has advised the Federal Government of his intentions, leaving enough notice for a thorough search for a replacement.

He joined the BoM in September 2016 and led the past year’s transition to a fully integrated national weather service.

The BoM boss announced his intention to resign and offered a breakdown of his achievements in office.

Under Dr Johnson’s leadership, the bureau has implemented new and upgraded weather, water, marine and space services, expanded its observing capabilities, and improved the accuracy and timeliness of its forecasts and warnings.

It has also ensured, the BoM’s announcement says, more secure, stable and resilient operations.

“International relationships have also strengthened, especially in the Pacific where the bureau has played a leading role in supporting Pacific Islands nations to prepare for and respond to the impacts of severe weather in a changing climate,” it says.

“This work has ensured that the bureau remains one of the world’s most respected meteorological agencies.”

Dr Johnson also oversaw the somewhat embarrassing and expensive marketing fail trying to get everyone to stop calling his agency the BoM.

The exercise cost $220,296 directing journalists and media outlets not to use the nickname, but instead refer to it as “The Bureau” – just like what the FBI is called.

Except the media couldn’t be directed and instead lampooned the exercise, which also resulted in a “please explain” at Senate Estimates.

The BoM also faced harsh criticism over the cost of its Robust IT project, initiated after a cyber security breach and major outages. The project finished with a budget blowout of $150 million, costing taxpayers $866m.

Dr Johnson received a Public Service Medal in last year’s Australia Day Honours.

Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek has issued a warm statement thanking Dr Johnson for his efforts and leadership, after nine years in the job, listing the BoM’s “significant achievements” under his helm.

“Australians should be proud that the bureau is considered one of the world’s most respected meteorological agencies,” Ms Plibersek said.

“This is a credit to Dr Johnson and his hardworking team.

“Under Dr Johnson’s leadership, when our nation has most needed the bureau, it has delivered trusted and reliable services during successive fire, flood and cyclone emergencies, many of which occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It has also continued to play a strong role in our region, especially helping build the capacity of Pacific Islands nations to prepare for and respond to the impacts of severe weather in a changing climate.

“On behalf of the Federal Government, I sincerely thank Dr Johnson for his many years of dedicated service to the bureau and the Australian community. I wish him all the very best in his future endeavours.”

Dr Johnson said: “I have a deep sense of gratitude for having had the opportunity to contribute to the safety, security and prosperity of our nation.

“I am immensely proud of what our organisation has achieved during my time at the bureau. We have delivered a significant expansion and uplift in the vital services we provide every day to the Australian community.

“Most importantly, we have delivered during successive fire, flood and tropical cyclone emergencies when our nation has needed us most.

“I feel fortunate to have worked with the many talented, dedicated and professional people at the bureau, and I thank my colleagues for their tireless work.”