Australia Day shift unlikely, PM says

Malcolm Turnbull says it's unlikely Australia Day will ever be moved to another date.

The prime minister also endorsed this year's Australian of the Year David Morrison, declaring him a good choice.

Asked if he could ever see a time when Australia Day was moved away from January 26, Mr Turnbull told Radio 3AW on Friday: "That's very unlikely."

January 26 marks the anniversary of the 1788 arrival of the First Fleet of British ships at Port Jackson, where a penal colony was established.

There have been calls to move Australia Day to January 1, celebrating the anniversary of the nation's federation.

Mr Turnbull said he was aware there had been some criticism of General Morrison's selection, including that he was a safe choice over deserving female candidates.

The decision was made by the National Australia Day Council not the government, he said.

Mr Turnbull was quizzed about the role of the Australian of the Year, amid criticism it was becoming more about advocacy of social issues.

"The role of the Australian of the Year is to be themselves," he said.

"They need to be a person of a character and a quality, that is admired, that is something of a role model, but also somebody that can use that platform."