The ACT's chief minister, Andrew Barr, has brushed off criticism that his government is "tired" but acknowledged it had been a "challenging" year for the territory.

Labor has long-dominated politics in the ACT, and was returned to power for a seventh consecutive term in October last year .

But the 12 months since the election have been plagued with challenges for the government, including having to grapple with a $1.1 billion budget deficit.

Mr Barr, who is the longest current serving state or territory leader in Australia, said "it's been a challenging first year".

"Government is hard, it is really hard, particularly in minority," he said.

" Just because things are hard isn't a reason to walk away from them. "

He said there was "a lot of work to do", but noted the government had

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