The Select Committee on the Government’s management of the Powerhouse Museum and other museums and cultural projects in New South Wales was established on 27 February 2020.

Online questionnaire

As part of this inquiry, the committee is seeking the views of individuals via an online questionnaire. Responses are due by Sunday 3 May 2020.

Submissions

Organisations seeking to provide more detailed information can provide a submission. Submissions are due by Sunday 3 May 2020.

Media Release

INQUIRY INTO THE GOVERNMENT’S MANAGEMENT OF THE POWERHOUSE MUSEUM AND OTHER MUSEUMS AND CULTURAL PROJECTS IN NEW SOUTH WALES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
23 March 2020

A new Upper House inquiry will shine a spotlight on the NSW Government’s management of the Powerhouse Museum – in particular, the rationale for its proposed relocation from Ultimo to Parramatta.

The inquiry will also consider the adequacy of the NSW Government’s support for museum and cultural initiatives more broadly. A select committee has been established to conduct the inquiry, chaired by the Hon Robert Borsak MLC. Mr Borsak chaired the previous inquiry into the relocation of the Powerhouse Museum, which ended in February 2019, prior to the 2019 state election.

“The Powerhouse Museum is a cherished cultural institution showcasing our technology and engineering heritage. It has been a valued part of the Ultimo cityscape for several decades, located on a site historically associated with the generation and supply of power for the city’s early tramways and rail systems” Mr Borsak said.

“Despite much scrutiny, so much about the proposed relocation remains unclear, including the economic drivers for the project, the purported benefits to the people of New South Wales and the potential heritage impacts to places and collections”, Mr Borsak added. The inquiry will also look at the adequacy of funding to museums and galleries more broadly over time, including any impact of past efficiency dividends on collecting and cultural institutions in New South Wales.

“I look forward to bringing greater transparency to issues surrounding the Powerhouse Museum’s proposed relocation and the state of the museums and galleries sector more broadly.” The committee is receiving submissions until 3 May 2020. Alternatively, interested individuals are invited to submit their comments by completing an online questionnaire, open until the same date. Public hearings will be held in the coming months. For information about the inquiry, including the committee membership and the terms of reference, please visit the Select Committee’s website.

-ENDS

For further information please contact Committee Chair, the Hon Robert Borsak MLC, on 9230 2573.

SELECT COMMITTEE ON THE GOVERNMENT’S MANAGEMENT OF THE POWERHOUSE MUSEUM AND OTHER MUSEUMS AND CULTURAL PROJECTS IN NEW SOUTH WALES LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL