Scott Morrison (Cook, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

The bravery, service and contribution of Teddy Sheean is not under question. He was an incredible and brave Australian, like 40,000 others who lost their lives during the Second World War. Each and every day of those six years, acts of bravery, acts of selflessness and acts of sacrifice took place. At that time, over the course of that campaign, there were a small number of Victoria crosses that were handed out. And there were a very small number who were mentioned honourably in dispatches, particularly from the Navy, and Teddy Sheean was one of those.

When you look back into the history, 80 years ago, you've got to be very careful about putting yourself in the position of those who stood before you and made these decisions. All I'm seeking to do is assure myself, with the responsibilities that I have, that the policy test that was adopted by the previous government can be held by our government. There needs to be compelling new evidence that would justify the revisiting of that award. The valour inquiry found there wasn't. There has been a subsequent tribunal which was not reviewing the decision of the valour inquiry but was initiated by a separate process. Each of those inquiries have come to different conclusions, so I am simply seeking to honour the system. I have advice from the CDF on this matter and—

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