Australian of the Year David Morrison has used his acceptance speech to throw his support behind the republican movement.

The former Army chief was recognised for his commitment to gender equality, but used his first address in the role to call for an Australian head of state.

General Morrison said he was proud to be a member of the republican movement, and it was time to "at least start to have the conversation".

"With great respect to those who don't share my views and recognising our proud history of European settlement in this country and beyond, over 200 years and more, 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 that we can stand both free and fully independent amongst the community of nations."

His comments come just hours after state premiers and territory chief ministers — with the exception of Western Australia's Colin Barnett — signed a declaration calling for an Australian head of state.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, the former chairman of the Australian Republican Movement and author of Fighting for the Republic, also released a statement through his office saying his "commitment to Australia having an Australian as head of state is undiminished".

But Opposition Leader Bill Shorten accused Mr Turnbull of backing away from the debate.

Mr Shorten is expected to use his Australia Day speech to push the Prime Minister to act on the issue.

In a statement, he said the time for debate had come with "avowed republicans" leading both major political parties.

"I don't believe we have to wait for a change of monarch to renew the Republic debate," Mr Shorten said.

"I say to the Prime Minister, let us work together to seize this moment, to lead the movement for change.

"If only we had a Prime Minister who wasn't so afraid of his own political party that he would champion a cause he believes so strongly in."

Morrison addresses domestic violence, thanks Rosie Batty

General Morrison also acknowledged the work of fellow Australian of the Year nominee Catherine McGregor, the speechwriter behind his famous 2013 address on gender equality and inclusion.

He said Ms McGregor was the "primary author" of the speech, in which he ordered soldiers to "get out" of the military if they could not respect women as equals.

General Morrison also acknowledged the work of his predecessor Rosie Batty, who he described as "the most remarkable woman".

He said Ms Batty had "set a benchmark for us all".

"The scourge of domestic violence which faces us as one of our great social issues won't be solved in a year, maybe in 50 or 100 years," he said.

"But it is up to us in our lifetimes to do something about it."