Former Midnight Oil frontman and ex-Labor minister Peter Garrett has cancelled his involvement in a review into the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra three months after being hired to conduct it.
The orchestra announced on Friday the review's progress had been delayed, affecting Mr Garrett's availability because of pre-existing commitments.
Mr Garrett was brought on board in late August amid controversy over the MSO management's handling of a pianist's onstage comments about the war in Gaza.
Jayson Gillham was introducing an Australian composition titled Witness during an August concert when he made comments about Palestinian journalists killed in the war in Gaza.
The cancellation of a performance by Jayson Gillham with the MSO was the first in a series of events that led to an external review into the organisation's policies. (Supplied: Jayson Gillham)
Following his comments, the MSO cancelled an upcoming performance by Gillham and said his remarks had gone "beyond the remit of his contract".
However, about a day later the MSO said the decision to cancel his next show had been an error.
Furious about the cancellation of the show, MSO musicians expressed a vote of no confidence in managing director Sophie Galaise and called for a full investigation into the organisation's initial decision to cancel the show. Dr Galaise was forced to leave the MSO.
She confirmed to the ABC on Friday that as of 4pm, she had come to a legal settlement with the MSO regarding a Fair Work complaint she had lodged about her dismissal.
Dr Galaise said the details of the settlement were confidential and wished the MSO "luck" going forward.
Mr Gillham has ongoing legal proceedings against the MSO.
Former managing director Sophie Galaise has had a confidential legal settlement with the MSO. (Melbourne Symphony Orchestra)
Auditing firm KPMG has now been appointed to conduct the investigation in place of Mr Garrett.
The terms of the reference for the review, published on Friday, stated there would be no findings made about "any event or any person".
"KPMG will make recommendations only, which will be directed solely to governance enhancement," it states.
The MSO also announced on Friday its board had appointed Richard Wigley as its new chief executive officer, effective immediately.
Mr Wigley has been interim CEO since September.
"While I am conscious there is more work to do, we have already made important progress in repositioning the MSO while continuing to deliver landmark musical experiences for our audiences," he said.
The MSO said it was also planning to conduct a "cultural change process" in 2025 to "make necessary improvements to policies".
MSO board chair David Li, as well as three other board members — Margaret Jackson, Diane Jameson and Andrew Dudgeon — are all retiring early next year.
Board director Edgar Myer has become MSO chair-elect with immediate effect. Board members Martin Foley and Farrel Meltzer have been appointed co-deputy chairs.
Peter Garrett and the MSO Players Committee have been contacted for comment.