The new Australian of the Year, David Morrison, is famous for his capacity to deliver a slapdown.

He made headlines with a YouTube clip ordering sexist soldiers to "get out" of the army in 2013.

And he wasted no time on Monday night, using his acceptance speech at the Australia Day awards to serve up more tough words.

This time, his target was Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and his catchphrase about how there has "never been a more exciting time to be an Australian".

Since he took over from Tony Abbott last September, Mr Turnbull has repeatedly used his "exciting time" line, including during overseas trips. He even jokingly referred to it on Monday morning, noting there had "never been a more exciting time to be a finalist in the 2016 Australian of the year awards".

But the 2016 winner was clearly not convinced.

Despite Mr Turnbull announcing the former army chief as Australian of the Year only moments before, General Morrison said he only partially backed the Prime Minister's statement.

"It is an extraordinary time to be an Australian, but I need to give it qualified agreement."

The former army chief, who is now chair of Diversity Council Australia explained: "For reasons beyond education and professional qualifications or willingness to contribute or a desire to be a part of our society ... too many of our fellow Australians are denied the opportunity to reach their potential.

"It happens because of their gender, because of the god they believe in, because of their racial heritage, because they're not able-bodied, because of their sexual orientation."

General Morrison retired as army chief last year, and has not been tempted since to join the ranks of former top brass who critique national security policy.

But he gave several other signals at the Australia Day awards ceremony that he will not be shy about expressing controversial opinions during 2016.

General Morrison began his speech by acknowledging that Australia Day was one of "emotional conflict" for Indigenous Australians, rather than a time of celebration.

In a surprise move, he also vowed to make the Australian republic a priority for the year.

"With great respect to those who don't share my views ... I will lend my voice to the republican movement in this country.

"It is time, I think, to at least revisit the question so we can stand both free and fully independent amongst the community of nations."

General Morrison later acknowledged to reporters that he knew he was courting controversy by backing an Australian head of state, but said he was a member of the Australian Republican Movement.

However, he said it was not his place to set a timeline for change.

"Momentum, if it grows, will push its own time line. And if momentum doesn't grow, and Australia doesn't want to have this conversation, then so be it."

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