In a plot twist that even the most avant-garde curator couldn't have scripted, the $915m Powerhouse Parramatta - billed as one of the world's most significant new museum projects - is facing an investigation into senior executive misconduct before its grand November opening. Chief executive Lisa Havilah has stepped aside pending the probe, which involves fresh allegations about governance and procurement, the New South Wales government announced Thursday.

NSW arts minister John Graham, delivering the news with the gravitas of a gallery docent, confirmed at a budget estimates hearing that allegations had been put to several executives as part of a misconduct investigation. "The idea that two of the senior executives were working through this process, this detailed process, and could also make sure that went smoothly was really starting to become unsustainable," he said, apparently channeling the museum's own theme of 'sustainability'.

Chief operating officer Mark Wilsdon is on leave, conveniently providing "significant information" as part of the investigation. Havilah, meanwhile, agreed to step aside after a chat about the latest allegations, though department of creative industries secretary Melanie Hawyes cautioned that the interim arrangement should not be read as a sanction - just a temporary, politically awkward sabbatical.

Enter the cavalry: NSW government architect Abbie Galvin steps in as interim chief executive, with former Opera House boss Louise Herron joining as strategic advisor, both starting Tuesday. Because nothing says 'clean slate' like appointing people from institutions that didn't have a $1.7m documentary made about them.

The investigation, sparked by a whistleblower complaint, kicked off informally in March 2025, with the anti-corruption commission notified, and a formal misconduct investigation launched last December. The procurement deals in question were under $6m - the amount Havilah could approve without ministerial sign-off, which is either a loophole or a vote of confidence, depending on your perspective.

Under Havilah's watch, spending included that $1.7m documentary on the building's construction, about $5m on marketing, and $333,500 for interior design of on-site accommodation - because even museum directors need a nice place to nap.

Graham, defending his handling of the project's controversies, insisted issues dating back to at least 2023 were addressed appropriately. He remains confident the museum - dubbed the 'Opera House of the west' - will open to the public as scheduled on 7 November, assuming the investigation doesn't become a permanent exhibit.