Among Liberals there are mixed feelings about the Abbott presidency, with some saying he will bring enormous energy to the job and others worried he will overshadow opposition leader Angus Taylor.

Responding to Coalition proposals on sex discrimination law, he said his priority was practical policy outcomes rather than “culture wars”.

The visit also comes as the Victorian government continues to emphasise social cohesion and multicultural engagement

One local told 7News they “pretty much closed the door in her face”, while another reportedly described the early campaigning as smelling like “desperation”.

I assure you that our position on migration, when it comes to the Indian community, is one of welcoming, welcoming as Australians.

The choice of Abbott, 68, for the post has the support of Liberal leader Angus Taylor but more moderate Liberals are concerned.

The deeper challenge is that Melbourne’s west is not a side issue. It is where the election could be won or lost.

“We’ve proven in a blue-blood Liberal stronghold that it’s possible, so why can’t it be transferred around the country?”

“Andrew Bragg’s talking nonsense,” the Prime Minister said

PM Albanese argued the current tax system unfairly favoured property investors over first-home buyers.