Liberal Party Turns to Coalition Campaign Veteran Lincoln Folo for Key Rebuild Role
The Liberal Party of Australia has appointed Lincoln Folo as its new Federal Director, with Opposition Leader Angus Taylor and Deputy Opposition Leader Jane Hume describing the move as an important step in the party’s next phase of renewal following its 2025 federal election defeat.
In a joint statement, Taylor and Hume welcomed the appointment, praising Folo as a respected and capable leader with extensive organisational experience and a strong commitment to Liberal values. They said his leadership would be instrumental in strengthening the party organisation and supporting the Opposition as it rebuilds ahead of the next federal election.
“His appointment comes at an important time, and we are confident he will play a key role in strengthening our organisation, supporting our team, and helping to lead the Party through the next phase of renewal and growth,” the statement said.
Who is Lincoln Folo?
While relatively unknown outside political circles, Folo arrives at the Liberal Party with a substantial track record in campaign management and party administration.
Most recently, he served as Federal Director of the National Party of Australia, overseeing the party’s national organisation, campaign operations and electoral strategy. Before moving to the federal stage, he held senior leadership positions within Queensland’s Liberal National Party, including State Director and Campaign Director, earning a reputation as a skilled political organiser and campaign strategist.
His appointment is notable because it represents a rare cross-Coalition recruitment, with the Liberals effectively securing one of the Nationals’ most experienced organisational figures at a time when both Coalition parties are reassessing their electoral strategies.
A Critical Appointment for the Opposition
The Federal Director is one of the most influential but least visible positions in Australian politics. Responsible for campaign planning, fundraising, membership growth, candidate support and organisational reform, the role is often central to a party’s electoral success.
For the Liberal Party, Folo’s appointment comes as the organisation confronts significant challenges following the 2025 election result. The party faces the task of rebuilding its membership base, restoring donor confidence and reconnecting with voters across metropolitan, regional and outer-suburban Australia.
The decision to appoint an experienced campaign operator rather than a figure drawn solely from the federal Liberal apparatus may also signal the direction the party’s new leadership intends to take. With Angus Taylor only recently assuming the Opposition leadership, the appointment suggests a focus on organisational renewal, electoral competitiveness and long-term rebuilding.
Tribute to Andrew Hirst
Taylor and Hume also used the announcement to thank outgoing Federal Director Andrew Hirst for his service to the Liberal Party.
“We remain deeply grateful for the professionalism, resilience, and commitment he brought to the role,” the statement said.
Looking Ahead
Folo’s appointment is among the first major organisational decisions of the new Opposition leadership team and will be closely watched by party members and political observers alike.
While leadership contests and policy debates often attract the headlines, the effectiveness of a party’s internal organisation can be just as important in determining electoral success. As the Liberals begin preparing for the next federal contest, Folo’s ability to strengthen the party’s grassroots organisation and campaign machinery may prove one of the most significant factors in shaping its political recovery.
Taylor and Hume concluded by congratulating Folo and expressing their confidence in his ability to help build what they described as a “fairer, freer and better Australia.”