Get ready for a storm of controversy! The Bureau of Meteorology's (BOM) new website has sparked outrage, and the true cost behind it is now coming to light.
The Price Tag: A Shocking Revelation
Documents have exposed the potential price BOM might pay for its new website, and it's a doozy. Initially, the BOM claimed the new interface cost a mere $4.1 million. However, a deeper dive into government tender documents reveals a much larger sum.
The $78 Million Question
The ABC has learned that the government awarded a $78 million contract to Accenture Australia for the development of the website's content management system (CMS). This CMS is the backbone of the website, encompassing all the software and digital infrastructure. The contract, initially valued at $31.3 million, has now ballooned to $78 million on AusTender. But here's where it gets controversial: sources close to the matter estimate the cost could reach a whopping $150 million, with additional contractors working alongside Accenture.
A Web of Contracts
Other government tenders awarded to BOM-related IT projects, valued at around $30 million each, add to the mystery. While it's unclear if these are directly related to the website's redesign, they contribute to the overall cost.
Minister's Evasive Maneuver
When questioned about the website upgrade, Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt sidestepped the issue, praising the BOM as a "great Australian institution." He emphasized the importance of reliable information for taxpayers and all Australians. But is this a case of taxpayer money well spent?
The ABC's Quest for Clarity
The ABC has reached out to the Bureau for clarity on the true cost of the website's creation, encompassing both front-end and back-end work. The BOM has remained silent on the matter so far.
BOM's Defense
Matt Collopy, the BOM's general manager of environmental prediction services, stood by the $4.1 million figure, stating it was accurate. He dismissed the higher estimates reported by the ABC and other media as "not accurate" in terms of the website's design cost.
The Bigger Picture
The new website is part of a larger, seven-year IT transformation program called Robust, costing a staggering $866 million. 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.
So, is the BOM's new website worth the price tag? And what does this mean for taxpayer-funded projects? We invite you to join the discussion and share your thoughts in the comments below.
