Key facts
- An investigation into allegations of misconduct concerning governance and procurement at the Powerhouse Parramatta museum is underway.
- Powerhouse chief executive Lisa Havilah has stepped aside pending the outcome of the investigation.
- Chief operating officer Mark Wilsdon is on leave and cooperating with the investigation.
- Abbie Galvin has been appointed interim chief executive, and Louise Herron will serve as strategic advisor.
- The museum is slated to open on November 7.
An investigation into allegations of misconduct involving senior executives at the Powerhouse Parramatta museum is underway, leading to the chief executive stepping aside. The $915 million museum in western Sydney is scheduled to open on November 7.
NSW arts minister John Graham confirmed that allegations regarding governance and procurement had been put to several executives. Chief executive Lisa Havilah agreed to step aside following further allegations coming to light, according to Melanie Hawyes, secretary of the department of creative industries. Chief operating officer Mark Wilsdon is on leave and is reportedly providing significant information to investigators.
Abbie Galvin, NSW government architect, has been appointed interim chief executive, and former Opera House chief executive Louise Herron will serve as a strategic advisor. Hawyes cautioned that the interim leadership should not be interpreted as a sanction. The allegations need to be tested through the investigation.
An initial probe was launched in March 2025 following a whistleblower complaint, and a formal misconduct investigation began in December. The procurement deals in question were under $6 million, the amount a chief executive can spend without ministerial approval. Graham defended his handling of the project, stating issues dating back to at least 2023 had been addressed. The museum board members, including chair of trustees David Borger, are not implicated in the allegations, and the board's audit committee has assisted with the investigations. Graham expressed confidence that the project would open on schedule.