Powerhouse Museum Chief Executive Lisa Havilah has stepped down from her role while a departmental investigation is conducted into into “governance and procurement practices” under her watch.

The resignation takes place less than three months before the museum’s Parramatta facilities open. The original site, at Ultimo, is being completely rebuilt. The Public Service Association of NSW (PSA), which represents staff at the cultural institution, had campaigned strongly to prevent the Ultimo site being sold to developers.

In addition, the PSA had constantly pressured Arts Minister John Graham to investigate what it saw as the Powerhouse’s excessive use of external labour and consultant. The union also pushed for an independent financial audit of the spending and recruitment methods used by senior management at the venue.