ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr has been named one of Australia's 50 outstanding LGBTI leaders by professional service firm Deloitte and Google Australia.
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Mr Barr, Australia's first openly gay state or territory leader, helped spearhead the ACT government's historic same-sex marriage law in 2013, though it was later overturned by the High Court.
He again pushed to legalise same-sex marriage last year, with the ACT government spending about $45,000 on a campaign that included two rainbow buses to support the "yes" campaign.
The ACT recorded the highest proportion of "yes" votes in Australia during the postal survey, and a roundabout in Braddon was later painted in the colours of the rainbow to celebrate the result.
Mr Barr said his inclusion on the "Outstanding 50" list was "very kind", and recognition of his government's leadership on a range of LGBTI issues, including its policy to support an LGBTI-inclusive community.
"It is very important that young, and not so young, LGBTI people and people struggling with their sexuality have successful role models to look up to," Mr Barr said.
Mr Barr said that despite the progress Australia had made in areas like same-sex marriage, many LGBTI people faced discrimination at work and were uncomfortable being open about their sexuality.
"Sadly, that would still appear to be the case. Programs like Pride in Diversity are important to change this," Mr Barr said, referring to an employer support program that specialises in workplace diversity and organisational change.
Deloitte chief executive Cindy Hook said providing accessible role models like Mr Barr was one of the best ways to create positive change.
“As a CEO, one of my prime goals is creating a culture where all our people can share their voice, allowing them to be at their best," Ms Hook said.
"When individuals don’t feel a supportive culture at work – where they can be themselves without fear or worry of being disadvantaged – it impacts their wellbeing and productivity."
This year's Outstanding 50 list features prominent politicians and public figures, including senators Dean Smith, Penny Wong and Janet Rice.
It contains 26 men and 24 women, including two transgender business leaders and an intersex leader, with Hobart the only Australian capital city not represented.
