Andrew Barr has become Australia's first openly gay government leader after he was appointed leader of the Australian Capital Territory yesterday

Andrew Barr has become Australia's first openly gay government leader after he was appointed leader of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) yesterday, reports ZeeNews.

Barr was appointed after Katy Gallagher stepped down from the role last week.

Barr said that he would continue to be a passionate advocate for same-sex marriage.

"It is quite ironic that you can be elected Chief Minister but you can't marry your partner of 15 years. It's time that this discrimination is ended in this country and I will continue to be a loud and passionate voice for that change.

"Canberra is Australia's most LGBTI-friendly city. I hope for the day when it is entirely unremarkable when someone in political leadership heading a government is openly gay or lesbian or bi-sexual or otherwise.

"We are inclusive and we strive to ensure that all of our citizens are treated equally and I look forward to the day when we can say that about our country."

The ACT voted to support same-sex marriage last year but the High Court later struck down the law, ruling that the federal parliament must decide on same-sex unions.

Although his party is opposed to same-sex marriage, Prime Minister Tony Abbott has been urged to allow a conscience vote on the issue. A 2012 vote on the issue was defeated 98 to 42 after Abbott refused to allow his MPs a conscience vote.

A new bill legalizing same-sex marriage was introduced in the Australian parliament last month.