In substantially more positive political news coming out of Canberra today, current ACT Treasurer Andrew Barr looks almost overwhelmingly likely to become Australia’s first ever openly gay state or territory leader, following the resignation of current ACT Labor leader Katy Gallagher from the position of Chief Minister.
Gallagher announced her resignation from the territory’s top job, and declared her intentions to nominate for the Labor vacancy created in the Federal Senate by the impending retirement of Kate Lundy.
This leaves the Barr as the prime candidate to take over as ACT Chief Minister, who has served as Treasurer and Deputy Chief Minister since 2011.
Barr was first elected to the Legislative Assembly in 2006 and helped spearhead the ACT’s historic same-sex marriage laws that were subsequently overturned by the High Court last year.
Barr married (be damned if anyone can tell them they way their relationship is anything less) his long term partner Anthony Toms in a 2006 civil union ceremony.
And, on a slightly related note, Barr’s father James provided what’s arguably the be-all end-all of comments on the issue of his son’s relationship and same-sex marriage in general.
“What I believe is most important is my son’s happiness – it is abundantly evident that he is happy in his relationship with Anthony. For me, that is the beginning and the end of the story.“
A-bloody-men.
Way to go, Andrew! You absolute legend. The ACT’s lucky to have you.
Photo: Mark Nolan via Getty Images.
via Canberra Times.
