Keneally backs idea to honour Sutherland

The administrators of the Sydney Opera House have been instructed by the NSW
government to work with the opposition on a proposal to name a theatre in the
building after Dame Joan Sutherland.
The idea was put forward by opposition leader Barry O'Farrell to honour Sutherland,
who passed away on Sunday at her home near Geneva, Switzerland, aged 83.
"Mr O'Farrell has put forward a good idea, and one he is clearly committed to, and I
believe he should have the chance to work directly with the Sydney Opera House and
the Opera House Trust to put his plan in place," Labor Premier Kristina Keneally
said in a statement on Wednesday.
"This is a time for bipartisanship."
Meanwhile, Arts Minister Virginia Judge and the Government are consulting with the
family of the international opera star about an appropriate way to commemorate her
death and her accomplishments.
Dame Joan came to international renown after travelling to London after winning a
singing competition in her native Sydney.
One of her final performances was on the stage of the Sydney Opera House in 1990.
Mr O'Farrell had hoped Ms Keneally would back his idea.
"I can't think of a more fitting tribute to Dame Joan Sutherland," he said in a
statement earlier on Wednesday.