Dr. Peter Stone, the former acting CEO of the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM), faced significant scrutiny following a relaunch that exceeded initial budget estimates by $92 million. The updated platform drew criticism from users who expressed concerns about its features, usability, and the newly introduced rain radar.
In response to mounting pressure from the federal government, the BoM quickly reinstated the previous version of the rain radar. Subsequently, Dr. Stone stepped down from his interim CEO role, with Dr. Stuart Minchin taking over his responsibilities.
The BoM has recently announced that Dr. Stone will be departing the agency entirely at the start of the coming year. He will conclude his active duties next month before going on extended leave.
Dr. Stone began his tenure with the agency in 2017. Reflecting on his departure, a spokesperson for the Bureau conveyed to nine.com.au, “The Bureau of Meteorology’s Chief Customer Officer and Group Executive Business Solutions, Dr. Peter Stone, has decided to retire.”
According to the Bureau, Dr. Stone’s official last day will be June 30, 2026.
“Dr Stone’s last day at the Bureau will be 30 June 2026.”
The bureau came in for significant criticism from the public and politicians, with Environment Minister Murray Watt issuing a rebuke after the overspending was revealed by Minchin.
“Our government’s unyielding expectation is that the BoM, as with all federal agencies, spends taxpayers’ money efficiently and appropriately,” Watt said last year.
He seemed to endorse a change of leadership, saying he was “looking forward to a bit of change in the culture and approach of the BoM.”
Minister Watt’s office was contacted for comment.
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