Was Penny pushed? Arts Vic director resigns

Penny Hutchinson steps down as arts body head as allegations surface of government interference in funding decisions.
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Penny Hutchinson has stepped down as the Director of Arts Victoria after almost 13 years in the role, to lead a review of the Victorian public service’s strategic financial management capabilities.

Her departure was announced last night via an email from Andrew Tongue, Secretary, Department of Premier and Cabinet.

‘After 13 years, Penny Hutchinson, Director of Arts Victoria, has accepted a new role leading a review of  the Victorian Public Service strategic financial management capabilities. Penny will be reporting to the Acting Secretary DTF and myself. Please join me in congratulating Penny on her new role, as well as her remarkable service to the Arts,’ the email read.

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Richard Watts OAM is ArtsHub's National Performing Arts Editor; he also presents the weekly program SmartArts on Three Triple R FM. Richard is a life member of the Melbourne Queer Film Festival, a Melbourne Fringe Festival Living Legend, and was awarded the 2019 Sidney Myer Performing Arts Awards' Facilitator's Prize in early 2020. He received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Green Room Awards Association in 2021, and a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in June 2024. Photo: Fiona Hamilton. Follow Richard on Bluesky @richardthewatts.bsky.social and Instagram @richard.l.watts