News live: Australia must keep strengthening response to hate, Wong says; end of major lockout laws in NSW

Follow updates liveGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastNSW will officially end the final major provisions of the state’s controversial lockout laws, 12 years after they were first established.The NSW government said it would remove remaining restrictions including the 3.30am “last drinks” rule, the mandated use of plastic cups and the requirement for RSA marshals after midnight for certain venues. It will also remove the blanket per person drink limits and a ban on the promotion of shots during late night trading.Twelve years to the day since they were announced, we are now declaring the lockout laws have been completely abolished. I’m delighted to say goodbye to this chapter of Sydney’s nightlife story.The lockouts had good intentions but a diabolical impact on the night-time economy and the reputation of our city. Continue reading...