Australian of the Year David Morrison firmly believes the nation should revisit the republic debate.
But the former chief of army rejects suggestions he intends to pursue the issue politically during his year as an honoured Australian, saying it's one only the federal government can take the lead on.
"I think it appropriate that 16 years after the last referendum we at least start again the conversation about where we may go in the future," he told ABC radio on Tuesday.
"But if the nation doesn't want to debate this and doesn't want to revisit the issue, my voice will have no consequence at all.
"I'll remain firm to my republican beliefs but I'll let it go."
Lieutenant General Morrison welcomed the decision by state and territory leaders, barring the West Australian premier, to sign a declaration calling for an Australian head of state to replace the British monarch.
"I'm in pretty strong political company there," he noted.
Asked if a national debate on a republic happen now or delayed until after the death of Queen Elizabeth, Mr Morrison said "no, it should be now".
Gen Morrison was named as Australian of the Year in Canberra on Monday night.
In accepting his award, he vowed to continue his campaign for workplace diversity and gender equality as well as lend his support to the republican movement.
Gen Morrison is a member of the Australian Republican Movement, which Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull used to chair.
Gen Morrison, who retired from his 36-year military career in May 2015, earned global recognition for a video message to Australia's soldiers that went viral in 2013.
He famously told misbehaving troops to "get out" of the force if they could not accept female colleagues and treat them equally.
The proud Canberran will on Tuesday morning attend the National Australia Day Flag Raising and Citizenship Ceremony, along with Senior Australian of the Year Gordian Fulde, Young Australians of the Year Nic Marchesi and Lucas Patchett and Australia's Local Hero of 2016 Catherine Keenan.
