Investigation into Powerhouse Parramatta museum under way as stop-gap leader steps in
Summary
An investigation is underway into claims of wrongdoing by senior leaders at the soon-to-open Powerhouse Parramatta museum in western Sydney. The museum’s chief executive has stepped aside while the inquiry continues, and temporary leadership has been appointed to keep the project on track for its planned November opening.Key Facts
- The Powerhouse Parramatta museum, costing $915 million, is scheduled to open in November in western Sydney.
- Senior executives, including CEO Lisa Havilah, face allegations related to governance and procurement processes.
- Lisa Havilah stepped aside during the investigation but this does not imply guilt.
- The museum’s chief operating officer, Mark Wilsdon, is on leave and cooperating with the investigation.
- Interim CEO Abbie Galvin and strategic advisor Louise Herron have been appointed to lead the museum temporarily.
- A separate financial review of the museum’s budget by NSW Treasury is ongoing but separate from the misconduct claims.
- Spending under Havilah included $1.7 million on a documentary, $5 million on marketing, and $333,500 on accommodation design.
- The allegations followed a whistleblower complaint, leading to an initial probe in March 2025 and a formal investigation starting in December 2025.
- The procurement deals in question were below $6 million, the amount the CEO can spend without ministerial approval.
- The museum’s board members and audit committee are not implicated and have helped with investigations.
- NSW Arts Minister John Graham expects the museum to open on schedule on 7 November.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
