As an Australian soldier, David Morrison spent his career following rules.
But for the past few years, the retired Chief of Army has been trying to change them.
"The rules that we live by have largely been written by white Anglo-Saxon men," Lieutenant General Morrison told AAP.
"And the beneficiaries are, surprise surprise, white Anglo-Saxon men."
Gen Morrison sprung to global recognition after posting the now infamous video calling on Australian soldiers who disrespect women in the Army to "get out".
He wants to stamp out inequality in the workforce and pushed for widespread cultural change in the Army after uncovering sexist emails he described as "demeaning and repugnant".
Under his leadership, the number of female soldiers increased by 700.
"The more diverse our organisations are, the better the organisations are. The Army improved enormously," he said.
While at the helm, Gen Morrison also refused to accept the resignation of his speechwriter and adviser Catherine McGregor when she went public with her transformation from man to woman.
In a sweet coincidence, Gen Morrison (ACT) is going up against Ms McGregor (QLD) for 2016 Australian of the Year.
His modesty is blatant as he self-imposes long odds to win.
"I don't want to write-off the recognition that I have received in the ACT but there are so many richly deserving Australians," he said.
He gives much of the credit for his nomination to his fellow soldiers.
"It's a reflection about the way the Army and the soldiers of the Army had tackled issues around culture," he said.
Win or lose, Gen Morrison will continue his push for equality as chair of the Diversity Council Australia.
While women are "more than capable" of championing the cause, Gen Morrison believes it's important for men like him - who have been the beneficiary of the rules for so long - to stand up.
"It's been one of the best things that has probably happened to be in my life to see these issues the way I see them now and to have had the opportunity to do something about it," he said.
"There is a role that people like me have to play here if we're going to make fundamental changes, if we're going to provide a better legacy for our children, our sons and our daughters equally."
AAP ejs/smw
ACT AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR
David Morrison. Former Chief of the Army who worked to end sexism in the force.
SENIOR AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR
Professor Greg Tegart. Advocate for technologies to help aged and disabled people gain independence and a better quality of life.
YOUNG AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR
NIPUNI WIJEWICKREMA. Runs a floristry business to create employment for people with special needs.
AUSTRALIA'S LOCAL HERO
PETER CURSLEY. After the death of his newborn baby daughter and wife he established the Newborn Intensive Care Foundation and has raised $4 million for the Canberra Hospital.
