AUTHORITIES in Australia have performed a U-turn after compounding the grief of a man whose husband died on their honeymoon by failing to recognise their marriage.

A dream trip Down Under turned to tragedy for Marco Bulmer-Rizzi when his husband David, 32, died after falling down some stairs on Saturday.

The couple, from Sunderland, were married last summer after five years together.

Same-sex marriage is not recognised in Australia and same-sex marriages from overseas are not recognised in South Australia, where the couple were staying with friends.

Marco Bulmer-Rizzi was told his husband's death certificate would record his marital status as "never married".

Because Australian law did not recognise Marco as next-of-kin, decisions on the arrangements following the tragedy have had to be approved by David's father, Nigel Bulmer.

After online reports of the story went viral, South Australia premier Jay Weatherill and announced that he will introduce legislation to recognise overseas same-sex marriages in the state by the end of next year.

He also apologised to the family for the hurt they have suffered and promised an accurate death certificate would be issued.

Marco, 38, told BuzzFeed: "When the funeral director came, that’s when I was told that because Australia doesn’t recognise same-sex marriage, [the death certificate] will say ‘never married’

“I asked whether it was possible to say nothing [about his marital status], and I was told, ‘No, that’s not one of the drop-down options on the computer.

"I was completely overlooked. I wasn't next-of-kin.

"Every single question I was asked – whether or not I wanted David cremated, whether or not I wanted David to have a service, or be washed, even the cost of the coffin they were to use – after I gave my answer, David’s father was consulted."

Tributes to David Bulmer-Rizzi, who worked as head of volunteer casting for the Eleven Arches open-air theatre attraction in Bishop Auckland, have described him as passionate, honest, caring and with a heart of gold.

One comfort to his loved ones has been the fact that his heart, liver and pancreas have been donated to patients in need of organ transplants.

David's aunt, Elaine Hope, from Darlington, said the family was pleased that the Australian authorities had changed their approach.

She said: "To deny their relationship was horrible and cruel, but it is good that they have apologised and they want to change the law.

"David was lovely and he was exuberant, this has been an awful shock."

Mrs Hope said the family hopes to organise a memorial service for David next month.

An Eleven Arches spokesman said: "The whole team is deeply saddened by the death of our friend and colleague David and we send our sincerest condolences to Marco and his family."