Deakin Alumni Lieutenant General David Morrison a fine choice for Australian of Year

Deakin University has congratulated this year’s Australian of the year, Lieutenant General David Morrison AO, who in 2015 received the university’s Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Jane den Hollander said she was delighted to learn the 2016 Australian of the Year had been awarded to General Morrison, who completed a Master of Arts (Strategic Studies) with Deakin in 2013.

“We are thrilled that such a fearless and inspirational leader is our newest Australian of the Year and we agree he is a perfect choice in so many ways,” Professor den Hollander said.

“When we consider the definition of leadership, of what it really means to lead and influence, General Morrison’s name is at the top of the list.

“Not only did General Morrison dedicate his career to leadership, but his determined and valiant governance as Chief of the Army saw the ever-relevant issue of gender equity within our defence forces brought to the forefront of discussion.

“While many have shied away from the issue, or operated from a defensive focal point, General Morrison confronted the problem head on and his resolute stance against sexism in the Army led us into a new discussion – one that acknowledged the problem existed and paved the way to find real solutions.

“General Morrison’s commitment to equity, which has extended through to inclusion of culture and sexuality, did not end when he retired from the Australian Army in 2015. As the new Chairman of the Diversity Council of Australia we are pleased he will continue to be a champion for change.

“It was this unwavering commitment to equity that made him such a fitting choice for our Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award last year.

“The thought leadership he has shown is exactly what universities seek to develop and incubate in our students and General Morrison is a fine example to our entire Deakin community and beyond.

“We warmly congratulate General Morrison and his family on his recognition.”