Misconduct investigation underway into two Powerhouse Museum executives

Powerhouse Museum’s two most senior executives are under investigation as the institution approaches the opening of its new Parramatta site, exposing a leadership crisis at the centre of a $915 million project.

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In March 2025, I approved and delegated authority to DCITHS to progress a fact-finding assessment.

Arts Minister John Graham told a New South Wales budget estimates hearing that the government began a fact-finding assessment as early as last year. He said he approved a formal misconduct investigation in late December 2025, after an earlier referral to the Independent Commission Against Corruption.

Chief executive Lisa Havilah stepped aside last week, 10 weeks before the museum’s planned grand opening. NSW government architect Abbie Galvin has replaced her as interim CEO. Havilah, who led the Powerhouse for seven years, continues to receive her salary while the investigation proceeds.

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There was also at the time a referral to ICAC and we're quite cautious anything is referred on.

Former chief operating officer Mark Wilsdon was replaced by a government official in July and is also providing information as part of the investigation. The allegations against the executives have not been publicly detailed. Graham said allowing the two senior executives to continue managing the process while facing allegations had become unsustainable.

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The idea that two of the senior executives were working through this process, this detailed processes and could also make sure that went smoothly, was really starting to become unsustainable.

DCITHS secretary Melanie Hawyes said she and Havilah discussed further allegations last Thursday before arrangements were made to suspend Havilah. Hawyes said Havilah’s main concerns were the welfare of her team and the success of the launch.

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What I will say is that Ms Havilah's key concerns were the welfare of her team and the success of the launch.