Published February 25, 2016 - Andrew Taylor, SMH Deputy Arts Editor

"...simply part of the government's privatisation agenda masquerading as a cultural initiative." Jamie Parker, MP

The debate over the NSW government's proposal to move the Powerhouse Museum to Parramatta and sell off its Ultimo site could trigger fireworks in Parliament on Thursday.

The parliamentary discussion has been triggered by a petition that gathered more than 10,000 signatures last year, calling for the move to be scrapped. It comes as a consortium led by consultants KPMG prepares a business case to develop relocation plans – a process criticised by Greens MP Jamie Parker.

Mr Parker will seek to join the discussion, although he said the Labor party had previously blocked crossbench members from speaking on petitions  "so it could be a bit fiery".

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The debate over the NSW government's proposal to move the Powerhouse Museum to Parramatta and sell off its Ultimo site could trigger fireworks in Parliament on Thursday.

The independent MP for Sydney, Alex Greenwich, said the government needed to distance itself from "election pork-barrelling" during the parliamentary discussion.

"The purpose of [the discussion] for me is to give the government an opportunity to explain their plan for the Powerhouse," he said. "If they're not able to communicate detailed plans it will become quite clear this is short-sighted pork barrelling ahead of an election where they did next to no consultation with the community."

Mr Greenwich said he expected the government to attack opponents of the move and "confect this as the inner city versus western Sydney battle".

But Arts Minister Troy Grant said two Coalition MPs will speak about the benefits of moving the Powerhouse to Parramatta. These include supporting arts and culture, the local economy and increasing jobs in the region. 

"This government looks forward to working with the community to deliver a vibrant new cultural destination that can be enjoyed not only by western Sydney residents but the whole of NSW and visitors to our state," Mr Grant said.

The parliamentary discussion has been triggered by a petition that gathered more than 10,000 signatures last year, calling for the move to be scrapped. It comes as a consortium led by consultants KPMG prepares a business case to develop relocation plans – a process criticised by Greens MP Jamie Parker.

Mr Parker will seek to join the discussion, although he said the Labor party had previously blocked crossbench members from speaking on petitions  "so it could be a bit fiery".

A total of 24 minutes has been allocated  under parliamentary rules for four MPs to speak, but Mr Parker said no vote will be taken.

He said the proposal to move the Powerhouse Museum to Parramatta and sell off its Ultimo site was "simply part of the government's privatisation agenda masquerading as a cultural initiative".

"The numbers don't stack up and Parramatta is likely to be short-changed with an underfunded second-hand museum," he said.

It is rumoured the cost of relocating the Powerhouse's vast collection of 500,000 items, including the priceless Boulton and Watt steam engine, could be up to $500 million.

Labor leader and arts spokesman Luke Foley said: "We have heard the same rumours but can't confirm 100 per cent. We believe that's the estimate to ensure an undiminished institution."

Mr Foley said his party supported the Powerhouse move in principle but had concerns over its implementation.

He said the government had not fulfilled its promise to channel more arts funding to western Sydney: "The government is investing just 5 per cent of arts funding into western Sydney and giving the lion's share to institutions in Sydney's CBD."