Ben Roberts-Smith is Australia's mostly highly decorated serviceman.
The Victoria Cross recipient used his Australia Day address to acknowledge the role of Australian soldiers.
“The singular talent I've seen in spades in soldiers of every rank, in every circumstance is leadership. There are libraries written about leadership but I find it's best explained in action.”
Australia's defence force men and women are particularly important, he said, given the current climate.
“Soldiers, as with all leaders in the community, need to show leadership because it's a hard situation."
“We've just seen the events that have happened in Paris, the events that are happening in Africa - terrorism isn't something that is going away.”
This year's Australia Day is bound to have a defence-force flavour, with the Anzac Centenary just three months away.
Traditional owners will also take part.
Ben Roberts Smith acknowledged it could be a difficult day for some Indigenous Australians.
“We, particularly the National Australia Day Council, understand the sensitive nature of the 26th of January to Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander community,” he said.
“What I think is important is when you look at for example the leadership shown by Adam Goodes, our 2014 Australian of the Year, he himself would make the point on numerous occasions that it's about using that time to express what is great, and the traditions of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. And I agree with him.”
Hundreds of events will be held across the country next Monday to mark Australia Day.
For some, it will be an extra special day.
Citizenship ceremonies will take place in major centres to welcome those who have chosen to become Australian citizens.
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