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

Liberals appoint new top strategistThe Nationals party director, Lincoln Folo, has been appointed the Liberals’ new top strategist, tasked with helping to rebuild its campaign machine after two thumping federal election defeats.Folo was late on Friday announced as the replacement for Andrew Hirst, who stepped down after three elections in the role.In a statement announcing the appointment, the new Liberal party president, Tony Abbott, said:double quotation markLincoln 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.Abbott thanked Hirst for this “sterling service” to the Liberal party, which included masterminding Scott Morrison’s surprise win in 2019.Good morning and welcome to the live blog for Sunday 7 June. I’m Josh Taylor and I’ll be bringing you the news for today.The Liberals have appointed a new top strategist as the new federal president, Tony Abbott, begins to make his mark on the party.Australians have borrowing $5.1bn in personal loans from banks in the first three months of this year, a tripling since 2021. The Queensland LNP government is being accused of purging First Nations officials, policies and programs in what is being dubbed “project invisibility” by public servants.The NSW government is planning to expand the capacity for outdoor events at the Sydney Opera House, increase noise levels and operating hours, in what the state government says will increase community engagement and be a better audience experience at the venue.And the Socceroos have drawn 1-1 with Switzerland in their final World Cup warm-up in San Diego. Let’s get into it.