The budget crisis stems from a AUD 5.8 million (USD 3.8 million) slash in state government funding over 2024–26. Last year, the NSW Treasury directed the AGNSW to scrap 29 staff positions, but only five employees were made redundant. On August 12, the recently appointed director Maud Page announced that 51 of the gallery’s 382 employees would be laid off to save AUD 7.5 million (USD 4.9 million) in annual operating costs. The protesting AGNSW staff also questioned the allocation of an additional AUD 10 million (USD 6.5 million) to the 2025–26 budget of Sydney’s Powerhouse, despite the latter institution remaining largely closed to the public. An AGNSW spokesperson announced that the gallery has extended its consultation period concerning the cutbacks by two weeks.