Collette acknowledged the challenges of finding replacements in time for the Biennale, which could risk Australia's absence from the event.

Morgan and chief executive Adrian Collette faced criticism for their decision, which aimed to avoid divisive debates regarding Sabsabi's past works.

The arts community is optimistic that Morgan's exit may pave the way for Sabsabi and Dagostino to participate in the 2026 Venice Biennale.

Deputy chair Wesley Enoch will temporarily assume Morgan's responsibilities until a new chair is appointed, indicating the unexpected nature of this leadership transition.

Robert Morgan, chair of Creative Australia, announced his retirement on May 22, 2025, amid controversy surrounding the board's decision to dismiss representatives for the Venice Biennale.

The controversy was ignited by a 2006 video artwork by Sabsabi that included imagery from the 9/11 attacks, leading to an emergency board meeting in February.

In light of Morgan's departure, Josh Milani, Sabsabi’s representative, expressed hope that this leadership change could restore trust within the arts community and potentially reinstate Sabsabi's commission.

Wesley Enoch, a First Nations playwright and creative director, is expected to take over as acting chair following Morgan's retirement.

Sabsabi and Dagostino have expressed their willingness to fulfill their contract for the Venice Biennale if given the opportunity under new leadership.

Arts Minister Tony Burke announced Morgan's retirement just weeks before an independent review is set to report on the circumstances surrounding the sacking.

This decision follows significant backlash from the abrupt dismissal of artist Khaled Sabsabi and curator Michael Dagostino three months prior.

Over 600 prominent writers, publishers, and academics publicly condemned the board's actions in an open letter, calling it a compromise of Creative Australia's integrity.