WE can all stop playing now, David Morrison has already won 2016.
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The new Australian of the Year gave a stirring and thought-provoking speech on accepting his honour in Canberra on Monday night.
It was perfect in timing, delivery and subject matter.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, at his side for the presentation, was firmly in the crosshairs of the former army chief as he calmly, methodically stepped into his speech.
Prime Minister Turnbull has often used the catchphrase there has “never been a more exciting time to be an Australian”.
You could see the Prime Minister tighten up for what was coming when Mr Morrison opened with: "It is an extraordinary time to be an Australian, but I need to give it qualified agreement".
“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,’’ the new chair of Diversity Council Australia.
"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."
It was an emphatic statement from the man who once made headlines by ordering sexist soldiers to ``get out’’ of the force.
Not content with highlighting the imbalances which continue to exist in Australian society, Mr Morrison took aim at the debate for a republic.
With the push on for the debate to again take centre stage in this country, he stepped to the plate.
"With great respect to those who don't share my views ... I will lend my voice to the republican movement in this country,’’ he said.
"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."
The Prime Minister responded to the speech by saying: ``There are many more urgent issues confronting Australia and indeed confronting the government than the momentum or the desire for Australia to become a republic.’’
Agreed, but Mr Morrison’s words must have been ringing loudly in the PM’s ears.
