Leadership Turmoil at Powerhouse Parramatta as Executives Stand Aside Amid Misconduct Probe
A high-stakes internal investigation into governance and procurement practices has cast a shadow over the November opening of Western Sydney’s flagship cultural project.
The future of the $915 million Powerhouse Parramatta was thrown into uncertainty this week after the New South Wales government confirmed that senior leadership has been sidelined amid a widening misconduct investigation.
On Thursday, Powerhouse chief executive Lisa Havilah stepped aside from her role. Her departure follows similar action by the museum’s chief operating officer, Mark Wilsdon, who is currently on leave and reportedly cooperating with investigators.
Mounting Scrutiny Over Governance
The revelations surfaced during a tense NSW budget estimates hearing on Monday, where Arts Minister John Graham addressed the ongoing controversy. Graham characterized the situation as “unsustainable,” noting that the dual pressure of managing a global-scale museum launch while navigating a formal probe had become untenable for the institution’s top brass.
“These allegations that have come to light need to be tested, and that is what this investigation will do,” said Melanie Hawyes, secretary of the Department of Creative Industries. She urged the public and stakeholders not to view the interim leadership changes as a formal finding of guilt or a disciplinary sanction, but rather as a necessary step to ensure the integrity of the investigative process.
The scope of the investigation involves concerns regarding procurement and internal governance, with a particular focus on spending decisions made under Havilah’s tenure. Public scrutiny has intensified regarding specific expenditures, including $5 million allocated for marketing, at least $1.7 million for a documentary charting the museum’s construction, and over $330,000 for the interior design of on-site staff accommodation.
A History of Administrative Challenges
The path to the museum’s opening has been rocky for some time. An initial whistleblower complaint triggered an internal investigation in March 2025, leading to the notification of the state’s anti-corruption commission. A more formal misconduct investigation was subsequently launched in December.
During the hearing, it was revealed that the questioned procurement contracts fell under the $6 million threshold, a limit that allows the chief executive to authorize spending without direct ministerial approval.
Despite the internal upheaval, Minister Graham maintained that the board of trustees, led by David Borger, remains untainted by the current allegations. He emphasized that the board’s audit committee has been actively assisting with the inquiries.
Continuity Amid Chaos
In an effort to stabilize the institution ahead of its November 7 opening, the NSW government has moved swiftly to fill the leadership vacuum. NSW government architect Abbie Galvin has been appointed as interim CEO, and former Sydney Opera House chief executive Louise Herron will serve as a strategic advisor. Both are scheduled to assume their roles immediately.
Government officials remain publicly optimistic that the “Opera House of the west”—as the project is often dubbed—will meet its target opening date. While a separate review into the museum’s operational budget by the NSW Treasury continues, the state maintains that the project’s delivery remains on track, even as the shadow of misconduct threatens to loom over the institution’s highly anticipated debut.
