Senate hits BOM pullout

THE Federal Government is under increased pressure to abandon its plans to centralise Bureau of Meteorology services after the Senate passed a motion in support of retaining regional expertise.

Greens Senator Nick McKim’s successful motion acknowledged there were concerns from unions and the community about intentions to produce regional forecasts in Brisbane and Melbourne and called on the Government to abandon the plan.

The Government has repeatedly advised no jobs would be lost under the restructure but critics are concerned about a loss of local knowledge.

The restructure would have Tasmanians provide services to emergency management workers and local industries but not predict the weather.

“As our climate changes, we need the local experience and expertise in Tasmanian conditions even more than before,” Senator McKim said.

Tasmanian Liberal Senator Eric Abetz, who voted against the motion with colleague David Bushby, said his party was consulting with the community and promised weather bureau jobs were secure.

“The bureau has never had any plans to reduce jobs or services in Tasmania, it is working with all stakeholders, including staff, to improve the services to community and increase engagement with users so that its forecasting services remain world class into the future,” he said.

Environment Minister Melissa Price was contacted for comment.

Also yesterday, Tasmanian Labor launched a petition aimed at saving Tasmanian weather forecasting. A joint statement from MHRs and senators said the Coalition’s reassurances “just don’t cut it”.

“The highly skilled Bureau of Meteorology staff members — who specialise in Tasmanian weather — are essential to providing forecasts that our state’s residents, businesses and emergency service workers rely on,” the statement said.

“We need more than hollow assurance. It’s time for the Government to commit to saving local forecasting in Tasmania.”