BOM pullout backlash

TASMANIAN federal MPs from all sides of politics say the Bureau of Meteorology must fully justify any changes to its Tasmanian weather forecasting.

Liberal senator Eric Abetz said reports that the weather bureau was considering moving positions away from Tasmania were concerning.

He said the senators had had discussions with the Environment Minister Melissa Price’s office.

An open letter signed by nine federal Labor MPs has also been sent to Ms Price, calling for her to explain the decision.

“These highly skilled BOM staff members — who specialise in Tasmanian weather — are essential to providing forecasts that our state’s residents, businesses and emergency ser- vice workers rely on,” the letter states.

“In times of fire and flood, Tasmanian BOM forecasters provide accurate forecasts to prioritise support and assistance.

“It is difficult to ascertain why the decision has been made to move the expertise of local Tasmanian forecasters to Melbourne and Brisbane.

“We write to seek an explanation on why this change is necessary and the impact that it will have on Tasmanian forecasting and local staff.”

Unions are concerned that the weather bureau’s plan could affect 15-20 jobs in Tasmania.

“Our members are highly skilled specialist staff who specialise in Tasmanian weather,” regional secretary Madeline Northam said.

Franklin MP Julie Collins said Labor would fight any plan to move weather bureau jobs from the state.

“The Federal Government must come clean on why this change is necessary and the impact that it will have on Tasmanian forecasting and local staff,” she said.

A weather bureau email leaked to the Mercury revealed that forecasting teams would be based in Brisbane and Melbourne.

Chief executive and direc- tor of meteorology Andrew Johnson said other states and territories would have customer-focused delivery teams which would provide services to the emergency management sector and local industries.

Greens senator Nick McKim said Tasmanians from all walks of life including firefighters and farmers relied on accurate local forecasts. nicholas.clark@news.com.au