Federal Government denies it is behind a robo-call which asks questions about Teddy Sheean

A Tasmanian Senator has accused the Federal Government of being behind a phone poll which asks questions about the push for war hero Teddy Sheean to be awarded a Victoria Cross. The PM’s office has responded to the claims. LISTEN NOW >>

A PHONE poll which asks Tasmanians whether the potential awarding of a Victoria Cross to Teddy Sheean was an important issue for them has angered a Tasmanian Senator.

The poll — conducted by Mediareach — poses a series of questions, including asking people’s opinion on the biggest current issues in Tasmania.

“Which of the following issues do you feel is most important for Tasmania right now? That being, something that your federal politicians could do something about?” the poll asks.

It lists a range of options, including job creation, protecting the local environment, the economy, health, the cost of living, crime, and education.

Ordinary Seaman Edward (Teddy) Sheean, RAN.

The eighth option — the second last given — is whether Tasmanian World War II hero Sheean should be awarded a VC.

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It also asks if people are aware the Federal Government had rejected a recommendation for Sheean to be honoured.

Senator Jacqui Lambie accused the Federal Government of being behind the poll, but the Prime Minister’s office has denied commissioning the poll, or having knowledge of it.

“Just so the Prime Minister knows, Tasmanians don’t like doing phone polls. As a matter of fact, they bloody hate them, so this was not the way to do things,’’ Senator Lambie told Sky News Australia earlier.

Senator Lambie said the way the push for Sheean to receive the posthumous VC had been handled was “disgusting” and would go against the government at the next election.

“The fight is on in Tasmania. I’m not going away and neither are those Tasmanians, and they are not going to forgive you for the mess that you’ve actually made of this award when it should have been given to Teddy Sheean,’’ she said.

Political analyst Kevin Bonham said he did not know who was behind this particular poll, but said Mediareach had been used previously by the Liberal Party in Tasmania for internal polling.

A spokesman for Mediareach confirmed Mediareach conducted a poll in Tasmania on Tuesday night, but would not comment further.

The Prime Minister’s office said it was not aware of the phone poll, and said it did not commission it.

Tasmania’s Veterans Affairs Minister Guy Barnett did not comment specifically on the poll, but said:

“We have always said that Teddy Sheean deserves a Victoria Cross based on the merits of his actions – it is not a popularity contest and should be above politics,’’ Mr Barnett said.

“The Prime Minister has appointed an expert panel I will be advocating strongly for a posthumous VC for Teddy during that review process.’’

Sheean died in 1942 when the HMAS Armidale was torpedoed and sunk by Japanese bombers in the Timor Sea.

The 18-year-old strapped himself to an anti-aircraft gun as the vessel went down, and is credited with saving the lives of many of his crewmates.

READ MORE:

• Minister vows to continue fighting for Sheean VC
• PM on the defence over Sheean controversy

Dale Marsh's painting of Teddy Sheean, who lashed himself to his gun and fired until the HMAS Armadale sank. He gave others time to get away. Pic Australian War Memorial.

Last week, Prime Minister Scott Morrison ordered a fresh review on whether Sheean should receive the prestigious honour.

The PM announced an expert panel — led by former Australian War Memorial director and former defence minister Brendan Nelson — would be set up to determine if there was new and compelling evidence to grant Sheean a VC.

Last month, the Federal Government rejected the recommendation of the Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal, which said Sheean should receive a VC after holding hearings last year.