Jacqui Lambie (Tasmania, Jacqui Lambie Network) Share this | Hansard source

Teddy Sheean earned a Victoria Cross, and there's not a soul in this chamber that denies that. The only thing that some of you aren't sure about is whether to give it to him. That's all this is about. It's government policy that you won't give a Victoria Cross to somebody who didn't receive it at the time, unless there's compelling new evidence. But that's not a legal position or a legal requirement or a legal defence. It is just a policy preference. You don't dispute that what's in front of you is enough to give Teddy a Victoria Cross, but you won't give it to him. Guess what? It is not yours. It is his. An independent expert tribunal found that he earnt that cross. Give him what he is owed. You are only denying a hero his honour, and it's your policy preference and your bloody stupid captain's poor call that is reflecting on that.