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 1 July 2014 it became a Non-Corporate Commonwealth entity under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013. Under the Public Service Act 1999, the Director of Meteorology has the powers and responsibilities of an agency head. Under current administrative arrangements the Bureau reports to the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for the Environment. The Parliamentary Secretary’s portfolio responsibilities include all aspects of the functions and powers of the Bureau of Meteorology and Director of Meteorology that are the responsibility of the Minister for the Environment under the Meteorology Act 1955 and the Water Act 2007.
