World News
Investigation into Powerhouse Parramatta museum under way as chief executive steps aside
The interim leadership change at the $915 million Sydney museum project comes amid an ongoing inquiry into governance and procurement allegations.
The short version
- Powerhouse chief executive Lisa Havilah has stood aside and chief operating officer Mark Wilsdon is on leave amid a misconduct investigation into governance and procurement.
- NSW government architect Abbie Galvin has been appointed interim chief executive, alongside former Sydney Opera House chief executive Louise Herron as a strategic advisor.
- The New South Wales government maintains that the $915 million museum in western Sydney remains scheduled to open to the public on November 7.
Key facts
- An investigation into senior executive misconduct regarding procurement and governance at Powerhouse Parramatta began formally in December after an initial whistleblower probe in March 2025.[The Guardian]
- The state's anti-corruption commission was notified following the initial probe in March 2025.[The Guardian]
- The procurement deals under investigation are valued below $6 million, which is the spending limit the chief executive can authorize without requiring ministerial approval.[The Guardian]
- Chief executive Lisa Havilah agreed to stand aside after new allegations emerged, though officials emphasized the leadership change is not a finding of wrongdoing.[The Guardian]
- Chief operating officer Mark Wilsdon is on leave and is providing information to the ongoing investigation.[The Guardian]
- Powerhouse board members, including chair of trustees David Borger, are not subjects of the allegations.[The Guardian]
What remains uncertain
- The validity and specific details of the misconduct and procurement allegations remain unverified pending the final results of the testing and investigation process.[The Guardian]