Powerhouse CEO Lisa Havilah disclosed 14 conflicts of interest
Freedom of information documents reveal Havilah made 14 perceived conflict declarations during her tenure.
Suspended Powerhouse CEO Lisa Havilah disclosed 14 perceived conflicts of interest during her time at the helm. Internal documents released under freedom of information laws show these conflicts included hiring former work associates as consultants and awarding a $2.5 million documentary contract to Felix Media, a company Havilah had worked with before.
Most notably, a $1.9 million marketing contract went to Ki Community, founded by former Powerhouse trustee Mark Hassell. In each case, documents show mitigation measures were proposed.
Havilah was suspended in August pending an investigation into alleged misconduct and governance issues. She has denied any wrongdoing, saying she acted with integrity and disclosed potential conflicts out of caution.
The new Powerhouse Parramatta is due to open on November 7.
- 14
- Conflicts of interest disclosed
- $1.9 million
- Marketing contract amount
- $2.5 million
- Documentary contract amount
- $915 million
- Project total cost
Why it mattersThe conflicts and investigation overshadow the opening of a flagship cultural project. They raise questions about how public money was managed on a major government investment.
AustraliaNSW taxpayers funded the $915 million Powerhouse. The governance issues and ICAC referral could delay or disrupt the opening or operations of Sydney's major new arts venue.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
