Marriage equality in Australia and the developed world is inevitable, former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard has conceded.
In an interview with Channel Nine's Ray Martin, the former politician, who opposed gay marriage during her time in the top job, admitted that she had now come to terms with the legalisation of same-sex marriage.
"I accept the course of human history now is that we are going to see same-sex marriage here and in, you know, most parts of the developed world," Gillard said.
"I've got what may be in the modern age a kind of old-fashioned, feminist view about, can we take the traditional institution of marriage and stretch it?
"Or do you create some other way of solemnising relationships and recognising them as of worth and status?
"When I was a young feminist I would've said overwhelmingly the gay community was on that track too, but things have changed."
Despite her personal support for the 'traditional' definition of marriage, Gillard had backed a conscience vote on the issue during her time in office.
Under the current act, marriage is defined as a union between a man and a woman while same-sex civil unions are recognised as de facto unions under federal law.
A recent Crosby/Textor survey revealed public support for marriage equality was at a 72% high.
Gillard's tell all interview comes before the release of her memoir My Story next month, in which she is expected to detail her three years as the nation's first female prime minister.