Katy Gallagher endorsed by Labor for Senate seat

Former ACT chief minister Katy Gallagher has been endorsed by Labor for the Senate seat soon to be vacated by Kate Lundy.

Earlier this month Ms Gallagher announced she was resigning as chief minister in the ACT.

Her bid for the Senate was welcomed by Opposition Leader Bill Shorten, and fellow Labor heavyweights Anthony Albanese and Senator Penny Wong.

Labor Secretary Matt Byrne said Ms Gallagher was the only person to nominate for the position, and she has been endorsed by Labor's Administrative Committee.

"Her experience and her leadership are going to be really critical in helping the parliamentary labor party renew itself," he said.

"She's got a lot of experience in government, especially in health, and I think these skills will be critical to help Bill Shorten win in 2016."

Last week Andrew Barr was elected the new ACT Chief Minister, with Simon Corbell named his deputy.

Ms Gallagher will resign from the ACT Legislative Assembly on Tuesday.

Senator Lundy will resign from her seat March 31, 2015.