Before June 1955 the meteorological functions were carried out by the Meteorological Branch/Bureau (CA 215) of the Department of Interior [II].

The Meteorology Act 1955 became operative on 20 June 1955. The Act established the Commonwealth Bureau of Meteorology and created the office of Director of Meteorology. The Director, L J Dwyer, was confirmed in his position on 17 November 1955 (Commonwealth of Australia Gazette No 60 of 17 November 1955, p 3784).

The functions of the Bureau are:

(a) the taking and recording of meteorological observations and other observations required for the purposes of meteorology;

(b) the forecasting of weather and of the state of the atmosphere;

(c) the issue of warnings of gales, storms and other weather conditions likely to endanger life or property, including weather conditions likely to give rise to floods or bush fires;

(d) the supply of meteorological information;

(e) the publication of meteorological reports and bulletins;

(f) the promotion of the use of meteorological information;

(g) the promotion of the advancement of meteorological science, by means of meteorological research and investigation or otherwise;

(h) the furnishing of advice on meteorological matters; and

(i) co-operation with the authority administering the meteorological service of any other country in relation to any of the above.

The Bureau is to perform the above functions in the public interest generally and in particular:

(a) for the purposes of the Defence Force;

(b) for the purposes of navigation and shipping and of civil aviation; and

(c) for the purpose of assisting persons and authorities engaged in primary production, industry, trade and commerce.

The Bureau has regional offices in all states and in the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory.

From 1973 the Commonwealth Bureau of Meteorology was referred to as the "Bureau of Meteorology" in Commonwealth and Australian Government Directories.

On 24 July 1987 the Bureau of Meteorology was transferred to the new 'Super Ministry' the Department of Administrative Services [III] (CA 5983) from the Department of Science.

On 27 June 1990 the "meteorology" function was transferred to the Department of the Arts, Sport, the Environment, Tourism and Territories (CA 5984); on 27 December 1991, the "tourism" function became a separate Department (CA 7432) and a new Department of the Arts, Sport, the Environment and Territories (CA 7431) assumed responsibility for the "meteorology" function.On 24 March 1993, by Administrative Change, the name of the Department was changed to Environment, Sport and Territories (CA 7661).

Historical agency address

1956-1974: Cnr Victoria & Drummond Streets, Carlton, Vic

1974-: 150 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne

Legislation administered

Creation: Commonwealth of Australia Acts, No. 6 of 1955; Meteorology Act 1955