Sheean VC review for PM
themercury.com.au
Federal Bureau Chief
SCOTT Morrison will today be handed the findings of a seven-week review into whether Tasmanian war hero Teddy Sheean should be awarded a Victoria Cross for his bravery.
A decision will not be made public immediately.
“The government will consider the report and then release it in due course,” a spokeswoman from the Prime
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Minister’s office told the Mercury.
Garry Ivory, Teddy Sheean’s nephew, said he hoped a decision would be announced next week.
After more than three decades fighting for his uncle’s deeds in World War II to be recognised, Mr Ivory told the Mercury he could wait a few more days.
“I’ve learnt to be over the years,” he said
“I don’t like rush decisions at the best of times anyway.”
Mr Ivory said he was “very hopeful” an independent panel led by former Australian War patient
Memorial director Brendan Nelson would find his uncle should posthumously be given Australia’s highest military award for valour.
Mr Morrison established the review panel to determine whether there was compelling new evidence in a 2019 review by the Defence Honours and Awards Appeal Tribunal that showed Sheean should be awarded a VC.
He launched the latest review in June amid mounting public pressure and from within his own party after the federal government knocked back the tribunal’s recommendation in May.
At the time, Mr Morrison said Sheean was an “extraordinary Australian” and the country would be “eternally grateful for his service, dedication and sacrifice” but overturning a decision relating to a Victoria Cross after nearly 80 years would need compelling reasons.
Labor Senator Anne Urquhart said the review must be made public in a timely fashion.
“The Tasmanian people, and Teddy Sheean’s family in particular, have a right to see this new report,” she said.
“It would be disgraceful if the Prime Minister doesn’t release this report in full.”
It was revealed this week some members of the panel were paid more than $30,000 each, or about almost $4500 a week, for their work.