H. A. Hunt BA, a former member of the Sydney Observatory staff, was appointed Commonwealth Meteorologist in early 1907 and soon after convened a scientific advisory committee to assist him in the implementation of the provisions of the new Act.

H. A. Hunt, Commonwealth Meteorologist from 1907 until 1931

This group, which comprised Hunt as President, G. H. Knibbs, T. W. E. David, T. R. Lyle, W. H. Bragg, W. E. Cooke, R. F. Griffiths, H. C. Kingsmill and P. Baracchi, met from 20 to 23 May 1907 and made a number of recommendations regarding the work of the new Bureau. For the record, after Hunt, these were respectively, Commonwealth Statistician; Professor of Geology, the University of Sydney; Professor of Natural Philosophy, the University of Melbourne; Elder Professor of Mathematics, the University of Adelaide; Western Australian Government Astronomer; South Australian Government Meteorologist; Tasmanian Government Meteorologist; Victorian Government Astronomer.

The matters decided included the adoption of a standard set of instruments to be supplied to the various types of stations, the designation of the Kew barometer as the instrument of choice for country offices, the design of an Australian standard screen in which to expose the various thermometers and the time of observation for each of the states and territories, so as to provide the best set of observations on which to base the forecasts (Hunt [40]).

Recommendations were also made by a subcommittee of the conference (Hunt, Lyle, Bragg, Baracchi and Knibbs), for a program of research to be undertaken for the improvement of forecasts and a better understanding of the Australian climate. It was recognised even then that the Bureau's efficiency would be enhanced and morale boosted if some Bureau staff were given the opportunity to undertake research work. In addition, it was realised that supporting research would require staff to be provided with the appropriate amount of time in which to carry out this aspect of their work, free from the daily routine. The conference also suggested that any future appointments to professional positions within the Bureau should have relevant qualifications in mathematics, physics and chemistry (Department of Home Affairs [26]).

Bureau of Meteorology