The BOM's Website Debacle: A Costly Undertaking?
In a shocking revelation, documents have exposed the Bureau of Meteorology's (BOM) new website project as potentially one of the most expensive government initiatives in recent memory. The initial outrage over the website's launch has now evolved into a financial controversy, with estimates suggesting the cost could reach a staggering $150 million.
The BOM has been under scrutiny since its new website went live, causing widespread dissatisfaction. In an attempt to address concerns, the BOM made some adjustments to its radar color scheme, but the real controversy lies beneath the surface.
The Costly Undertaking
It all started with a $4.1 million figure, which the BOM claimed was the cost of the new website interface. However, a deeper dive into government tender documents paints a different picture. The ABC has uncovered a $78 million contract awarded to Accenture Australia for developing the website's content management system (CMS). This CMS is the backbone of any website, encompassing all the necessary software and digital infrastructure.
The contract, initially valued at $31.3 million, has now ballooned to $78 million, raising eyebrows and questions. But here's where it gets even more controversial: sources close to the matter suggest that with double the staff working on the project, the content management cost could skyrocket to a whopping $150 million.
A Web of Contracts
The BOM's website project is just one piece of a larger puzzle. Other government tenders, valued at around $30 million each, were awarded for BOM-related IT projects, including cloud programs and international data security. While these projects are not explicitly linked to the website redesign, they add to the overall complexity and cost of the BOM's digital transformation.
Ministerial Evasion
When pressed by ABC Insiders host David Speers about the wisdom of spending taxpayer money on the website upgrade, Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt sidestepped the question. He described the BOM as a "great Australian institution" and emphasized the importance of reliable information for taxpayers and all Australians.
"I'm pleased the BOM has listened to community feedback and plans further changes. We want a credible, reliable service, but at what cost?" Watt's comments leave room for interpretation and raise questions about the government's priorities.
The BOM's Silence
The ABC has sought clarity from the BOM regarding the true cost of the website's creation, encompassing both front-end and back-end work. However, the BOM has remained silent, refusing to respond to these requests. Matt Collopy, the BOM's general manager of environmental prediction services, has confirmed the $4.1 million figure, but he disputes the higher estimates reported by the media, claiming they are "not accurate" in terms of website design costs.
A Larger Context
The BOM's new website is part of a seven-year, $866 million IT transformation program called Robust. Funded by the federal government after cyber attacks and outages in 2015 and 2016, this program aimed to make the agency more resilient and secure. But with such a massive price tag, questions arise about the efficiency and effectiveness of the BOM's digital transformation.
Final Thoughts and a Call to Action
The BOM's website saga is a prime example of how government projects can spiral out of control financially. With estimates ranging from $78 million to $150 million, it's clear that something went awry. As taxpayers, we have a right to know where our money is going, especially when it comes to such significant expenditures. So, what do you think? Is the BOM's new website worth the cost? Should we be more vigilant about government spending on digital initiatives? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
