The Powerhouse Museum: Where Does It End?

Mark went straight at Graham over when he first became aware of governance and procurement problems now under investigation at the Powerhouse. Was it 2023 when Mark raised the “porn house”, 2024 when educational engagement had collapsed, or 2025 when taxpayers funded a $30,000 tuna slicing demonstration? Graham conceded issues had been raised “over quite some years”. Mark’s obvious question was, “Why has it taken so long to act?”

Mark then followed the money, asking about tender exemptions, repeated suppliers, contracts being varied upwards and millions in discretionary spending authority. Even with Powerhouse Parramatta about to open, officials could not say what it will cost taxpayers annually to operate because Treasury is still reviewing it. Apparently we can build it, staff it and launch it before knowing the ongoing bill.