Sydney’s Powerhouse Parramatta, touted as one of Australia’s most significant cultural projects since the Sydney Opera House, has come under intense scrutiny following allegations of serious executive misconduct, just two months before the museum’s scheduled grand opening. 

Lisa Havilah, the institution’s chief executive since 2019, stood aside on August 27 as complaints of procurement misconduct surfaced. Weeks earlier, in July, chief operating officer Mark Wilsdon similarly stepped back from his role amid the controversy. Both have been placed on leave with full pay, with government officials taking over as interim leadership as investigations proceed.

As revealed by New South Wales arts minister John Graham in a budget estimates hearing on August 31, the inquiry originated with a whistleblower complaint that prompted him to authorize an initial fact-finding mission in March 2025. A formal misconduct investigation began in December 2025, and allegations were subsequently put to several Powerhouse executives across April, July, and August of this year. 

At the hearing, Graham said having two senior executives navigate a sensitive internal process while also steering the museum toward its opening had become “unsustainable.” The exact nature of the scandal remains unspecified, though reports of an uncontested AUD 2 million (USD 1.4 million) marketing contract awarded to a former board trustee’s agency have been cited as one of several matters forming the inquiry.

Government architect Abbie Galvin has been appointed interim chief executive, with treasury official Cassandra Wilkinson taking up Wilsdon’s role. Additionally, Louise Herron, former CEO of the Sydney Opera House, will support the interim management as strategic advisor.

The AUD 915 million (USD 660 million) Powerhouse Parramatta construction project has been underway since 2022. The institution is scheduled to open November 7, though whether the controversy will affect this timeline remains to be seen.

Harison Butler is an editorial intern at ArtAsiaPacific.