Australia news live: Tony Abbott praises Liberals’ new top strategist as party tries to rebuild campaign machine

Lincoln Folo has been tasked with helping improve campaigning after two federal election defeats. Follow live

NSW government proposes extending Sydney Opera House outdoor hours

The New South Wales government has said it will increase the maximum capacity for outdoor events from 5,000 to 6,000 people for low and medium-scale events, and from 6,000 to 7,000 for major events as part of changes for the Sydney Opera House.

No longer will noise levels at the Sydney Opera House forecourt be dictated by the bedtimes of the residents at ‘the Toaster’.

Over the decades it became a Sydney sport to move in next door to a pub and then campaign to close it down. We are putting an end to that and the same approach should apply to the world’s greatest performance venue.

Lincoln brings extensive experience in political campaigning, organisational leadership and party administration. He has earned a strong reputation as a capable and effective operator, committed to the values and principles that have long underpinned our party.

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