Powerhouse Parramatta CEO Lisa Havilah steps aside amid governance/procurement investigations

Consensus Summary

Lisa Havilah, CEO of the Powerhouse Parramatta, stepped aside on August 27, 2026, amid ongoing investigations into governance and procurement practices, just 10 weeks before the museum’s highly anticipated opening on November 7. The $915 million project, billed as the largest cultural infrastructure investment in NSW since the Sydney Opera House, remains on track despite the leadership upheaval. Havilah, who had led the project since 2018 (or 2019, per SMH), was replaced by Abbie Galvin, NSW Government Architect, as interim CEO, with Louise Herron, former CEO of the Sydney Opera House, appointed as strategic advisor. The move follows a misconduct investigation into Havilah and the Chief Operating Officer, Mark Wilsdon, which began in December 2025 after a whistleblower complaint in March 2025 and a referral to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).

The Powerhouse Parramatta project has faced scrutiny for years, with allegations of budget blowouts, unethical procurement practices, and mismanagement surfacing as early as 2023. Havilah had previously denied budget overruns, but the investigation has revealed spending discrepancies, including $5 million on marketing, $1.7 million on a documentary about the museum’s construction, and $333,500 on interior design for on-site accommodation. The SMH reports the Powerhouse has spent over $70 million in pre-opening costs, including $25 million on exhibits for five opening shows. The NSW government has defended its handling of the project, with Arts Minister John Graham insisting the opening date would not be affected and that the board, led by David Borger, had performed its governance responsibilities appropriately. However, former staff and trustees have raised concerns about Havilah’s leadership style, describing it as micromanagement and noting a toxic internal culture.

Key figures in the story include Havilah, who has been praised for her vision but criticized for her centralized control; Graham, who has faced questions about his oversight of the project; and Borger, whose relationship with former board member and contractor Mark Hassell has drawn scrutiny. Havilah’s departure was announced after a conversation with Melanie Hawyes, secretary of the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport, who emphasized that the interim leadership changes were not indicative of any findings. Havilah reportedly expressed concern for her team’s welfare and the success of the launch, while the Powerhouse Trust President Borger assured the public that the opening would proceed as planned. The ABC notes that Havilah was still receiving her salary during the investigation, and Treasury executive Cassandra Wilkinson was appointed COO in July to address operational budget concerns.

While all sources agree on the core event—Havilah’s departure and the ongoing investigation—they differ in emphasis and detail. The Guardian and SMH highlight the whistleblower complaint and the role of the anti-corruption commission, while the ABC focuses on Havilah’s denial of budget overruns and her seven-year tenure. The SMH provides the most critical perspective, describing Havilah’s leadership as authoritarian and noting staff complaints about excessive use of external consultants. The ABC and Guardian both report that the Powerhouse spent $5 million on marketing, but the SMH suggests a higher figure. Additionally, the SMH reports Havilah was appointed in 2019, while the ABC and Guardian state 2018, though this discrepancy may stem from differing interpretations of her tenure at the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences (MAAS).

The immediate future of the Powerhouse Parramatta hinges on the outcome of the investigation, though officials have repeatedly stated that the November 7 opening will proceed. The SMH suggests Havilah is unlikely to return even if exonerated, given the internal culture she fostered. The ABC notes that the Powerhouse’s board met two weeks before Havilah’s departure to discuss procurement issues, and the Public Service Association of NSW has called for an independent financial audit. Meanwhile, the NSW government continues to defend its handling of the project, with Graham insisting that the board and ministerial oversight have been appropriate. The unresolved questions center on whether further findings will emerge from the investigation and how the interim leadership will navigate the final weeks before the museum’s debut.