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Weather bureau executive retires months after panned $96 million website relaunch

The executive who headed the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) during the heavily criticised relaunch of its website last year has retired.

Dr Peter Stone, who was the acting chief executive officer of the organisation when a relaunch, which cost $92 million more than first reported, was criticised by users over complaints about various features, usability, and the new rain radar.

The old rain radar was swiftly restored after pressure from the federal government, and Stone stepped aside from his role as acting CEO, being replaced by Dr Stuart Minchin.

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The Bureau's acting chief executive Dr Peter Stone this afternoon defended the layout of the website, but committed to making improvements to the user experience.

The BoM has now confirmed Stone will leave the agency entirely at the start of next year after finishing active duties next month and taking extended leave.

Stone joined the agency in 2017.

"The Bureau of Meteorology's chief Customer Officer and Group Executive Business Solutions Dr Peter Stone has made the decision to retire," a Bureau spokesperson told nine.com.au.

"Dr Stone's last day at the Bureau will be 30 June 2026."

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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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