Andrew Barr is optimistic Labor could win seats by campaigning for marriage equality.

ACT Deputy Chief Minister Andrew Barr is urging federal Labor’s new leadership team to make same-sex marriage an election issue.

Former prime minister Julia Gillard opposed marriage equality, but Kevin Rudd, his deputy Anthony Albanese, and Senate leader Penny Wong have spoken out in favour of change.

Mr Barr is a keen supporter of gay rights and says it is an issue that resonates in the community, especially with the young people Mr Rudd is seeking to engage.

“It’s a clear point of differentiation between Prime Minister Rudd and the Opposition,” he said.

“It represents an opportunity on an issue that certainly is raised frequently by younger Australians and is something that the Labor Party can campaign positively on.”

Mr Barr says Labor could win seats if marriage equality is an election issue.

“There are a number of inner-city seats that are held by Greens, Liberals and independents that could now be won for Labor if we have a strong campaign in support of marriage equality,” he said.

“So the seat of Brisbane, held by the Liberal Party, the seat of Denison, held by Andrew Wilkie, the seat of Melbourne, held by Adam Bandt.”