Lucy Wicks (Robertson, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

Teddy Sheean is no ordinary hero. His story is an extraordinary one, highlighting the courage, sacrifice and bravery of many of our service men and women. The decision to award Ordinary Seaman Edward 'Teddy' Sheean our highest individual honour, the Victoria Cross for Australia, is well deserved. I thank our Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, for his leadership in ensuring that Teddy's case was thoroughly examined and justice was ultimately done and for honouring another man of honour. In doing so, I pass on the appreciation of so many in our community to the Prime Minister for his tenacity to see this through, even as he leads our nation through very challenging times. It's a privilege to be part of a government whose leader has made a recommendation to the Governor-General for the award of the Victoria Cross for Australia to such an extraordinary man.

Teddy was heroic, and he deserves to be remembered for his incredible courage. Following in the footsteps of his four brothers, Teddy joined the armed forces at a young age, serving aboard the newly commissioned HMAS Armidale as an anti-aircraft gun loader. In December 1942, HMAS Armidale came under attack from Japanese bombers in the Arafura Sea. The vessel was struck by two air-launched torpedoes, and the order was given to abandon ship. As the crew leapt into the sea, Teddy assisted in freeing a life raft and was hit by two bullets, wounding him in the chest and back. Scrambling to get across the deck, he began shooting at the Japanese to protect his fellow sailors. With these actions the Japanese aircraft were kept at bay and were unable to effectively strike those in the water. As HMAS Armidale continued to sink, Teddy maintained fire, managing to shoot down one of the bombers and damaging a further two aircraft before HMAS Armidale's stern was immersed by the sea. Teddy fought until he tragically disappeared beneath the waves. These actions are why Teddy will become the first Australian Navy sailor to receive the Victoria Cross, a truly distinct honour.

The service and the sacrifice shown by Teddy Sheean is truly honourable. Whilst he had the opportunity to save his own life he instead placed others before himself. This is an incredible example of the character displayed by so many Australians who have fought for us—for our nation—in World War I, World War II and other wars that followed. It reflects the sacrifice of those who did not have the opportunity to return home to their loved ones and it reflects the courage displayed by all who have served our nation and who have fought for the freedoms we all enjoy today.

There's broad support for this decision from the service men and women in my electorate. Greg Mawson from Gosford RSL referred to the superhuman acts demonstrated by Teddy. He said: 'Teddy knew he faced a certain death but still went above and beyond for his fellow sailors. His acts of courage elevate him to this prestigious category. Teddy deserves this recognition.' John George, from Brisbane Water Legacy, spoke of the immense pride by those in the veteran community that one of their own would be recognised with the Victoria Cross. John told me of the efforts of Teddy's family, other returned veterans and many, many others in the community, as referred to by the member for Lyons, who campaigned for this outcome. John said that this is tangible recognition of the courage and sacrifice that so many Australians have shown when the chips are down in combat: 'No greater love can be shown than when a man lays down his life for others. In war this happens frequently, but only a few are recognised.' John said that Sheean's award not only recognises him but all his shipmates and all who served our nation, including in World War II, a war that ended 75 years ago. Terry Saxby, from Terrigal Wamberal RSL, wanted to pass on his personal thanks to all those who made this award possible and said that Teddy's family could be rightly proud of him and what he did.

It is clear to all of us that Teddy's actions represent the very best of what it means to be human, what it means to serve and to sacrifice for the sake of others, what courage and mateship ultimately mean and what it means to be Australian. I commend the recommendation of this distinct honour and its approval by Her Majesty the Queen, and I look to the day in coming months when Teddy's family can accept the award of the Victoria Cross for Australia on Teddy's behalf from our Governor-General. Lest we forget.

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