Former army chief David Morrison is the ACT Australian of the Year for 2016.
The retired lieutenant general was recognised for his internationally acclaimed work on achieving gender equity in the armed forces.
He attracted global attention in 2013 when, in response to the latest of a series of army sex scandals, he issued a blunt warning to his troops about degrading behaviour towards women, declaring: "If that does not suit you, then get out."
ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr announced the recipients of the ACT Australian of the Year awards at a function in Canberra on Monday night.
Mr Morrison joined the army in 1979, rising through the ranks and holding a variety of positions before taking command of the army in June 2011.
His term coincided with a series of defence scandals.
His robust response, delivered in a video message to his troops, prompted an invitation to speak at the Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict, sharing the stage with US Secretary of State John Kerry and actor Angelina Jolie.
He continues his commitment as a champion of human rights in his new role as the chairman of Diversity Council Australia.
ACT 2016 Australian of the Year recipients:
* ACT Australian of the Year - David Morrison, equality advocate.
* ACT senior Australian of the Year - Professor Greg Tegart, scientist and technology advocate.
* ACT young Australian of the Year - Nipuni Wijewickrema, social entrepreneur.
* ACT Local Hero - Peter Cursley, newborn care champion.
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