Andrew Barr, says he believes Julia Gillard is more receptive towards gay marriage than her predecessor Kevin Rudd.

Ms Gillard is already on the record as saying marriage should only be between a man and a woman.

Mr Barr says the comments shows there is still a way to go before gay and lesbian people are treated equally, but believes Ms Gillard is open to persuasion.

"The Prime Minister has a more flexible position in relation to the internal Labor Party debate than the previous prime minister," he said.

"I know from my dealings with her through Education ministers' forums that she's certainly more open to hearing arguments, so I'm optimistic in the future this issue can be revisited."

Andrew Barr is the ACT Education Minister.

Source: http://www.abc.net.au