Ordinary Seaman Edward ‘Teddy’ Sheean

The Australian Government recognises the extraordinary service, dedication and sacrifice of Ordinary Seaman Edward ‘Teddy’ Sheean and the Prime Minister has written to the Governor-General requesting he seek the approval of Her Majesty The Queen to posthumously award a Victoria Cross for Australia.
Our view and policy has always been that consideration of the awarding of a retrospective Victoria Cross would only occur in light of compelling new evidence or if there was evidence of significant maladministration.
There was a clear conflict of advice between the 2013 Inquiry into Unresolved Recognition for Past Acts of Naval and Military Gallantry and Valour (the Valour Inquiry) and the 2019 review of the Defence Honours and Awards Appeal Tribunal as to whether the case of Teddy Sheean met those standards.
There were further differences of opinion in the interpretation of what was contained in those reports. This conflict prevented a clear recommendation from being made and needed to be resolved before proceeding further. That’s why the Prime Minister commissioned an expert panel to provide further advice on the subject.
The panel has identified maladministration in the consideration of Teddy Sheean’s actions, as well as compelling new evidence that his previously awarded Mention in Dispatches should be replaced with a Victoria Cross.
Overturning a decision relating to a Victoria Cross nearly 80 years later requires compelling reasons. The panel has articulated those reasons clearly.
This is an exceptional case for an exceptional Australian.
The panel found that:

  • Teddy Sheean was done a substantial injustice in consideration of his actions in the original decision-making period of 1942-45, constituting maladministration;
  • On the basis of all the evidence now available, higher recognition for Teddy Sheean is supported;
  • Teddy Sheean’s courageous sacrifice of his life to save his shipmates meets the eligibility criteria for a Victoria Cross for Australia; and
  • the highest level of recognition should be accorded in this exceptional case.

This report is also testament to the dedication of Teddy’s family and friends, as well as Tasmanian Veterans’ Affairs Minister Guy Barnett and Member for Braddon and ex-serviceman Gavin Pearce to ensure that Teddy received the recognition he deserved. The frustration they have felt at times should not be underestimated but it is the Government’s duty to uphold the highest evidentiary standards for the awarding of a Victoria Cross. We are pleased this process has provided an avenue for their efforts to be validated and rewarded.
The Government thanks the expert panel for their detailed work in preparing their report and recommendations, particularly the efforts of panel’s chair Dr Brendan Nelson AO.
The panel’s report can be found at Historic Victoria Cross Report of the Expert Panel

NSW’S FIRST HYDROGEN PROJECT GETS GREEN TICK

The NSW Government has approved the development of the State’s first hydrogen gas facility at Horsley Park, paving the way for more clean energy, more jobs and an $18 million boost to the local economy.
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said the project will be the largest renewable gas trial in the country and could provide green gas to power Sydney’s homes and businesses in as little as five years if the trial is rolled out.
“The $18 million Western Sydney Green Gas Project will be a prototype for future green hydrogen projects,” Mr Stokes said.
“Hydrogen can revolutionise the fuel and gas industry, creating opportunities for low emissions technologies and jobs.”
The project will operate as a trial over five years to demonstrate the commercial feasibility of power-to-gas technology.
Energy Minister Matt Kean said the flagship project, delivered by Jemena and partially funded by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, will inform the State’s transition to an economically and environmentally sustainable energy supply into the future.
“This will help to position NSW as a nation-leader in green gas supply and storage projects as we transition to a low carbon gas network,” Mr Kean said.
“It will also help us reach our ambitious aspiration of injecting 10 per cent hydrogen into our gas network by 2030.”
The project involves converting tap water and grid electricity from renewable sources into hydrogen gas. The hydrogen gas is then injected into the gas distribution network to supply homes, power buses and generate electricity.
Construction will commence in the next 3 months, with the facility due to be completed by early next year.
The Western Sydney Green Gas project is the latest to be determined through the NSW Government’s Planning System Acceleration Program that is keeping people in jobs and the economy moving during the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, the program has created opportunities for 41,000 new jobs, injected $18.2 million into the NSW economy and delivered 400 hectares of open space, parks and land for environmental conservation.

DEFENCE JOBS TAKE OFF IN THE SHOALHAVEN

The Shoalhaven will benefit from a pipeline of Defence-related activity including up to 48 new jobs servicing the Royal Australian Navy’s fleet of MH-60R maritime helicopters.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney, Stuart Ayres, Member for the South Coast, Shelley Hancock and Member for Kiama, Gareth Ward today visited defence industry sites and businesses in the region, including Sikorsky’s purpose-built helicopter facility in Nowra.
The Lockheed Martin Australia company has been awarded a $276 million five-year contract to maintain the Navy’s 24 MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, based with the Fleet Air Arm at HMAS Albatross.
The contract includes, repairs, depot level maintenance and logistics support for the Navy’s next-generation helicopters, equipped for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, search and rescue, logistics, personnel transport and medical evacuation. It will also create opportunities to re-skill some workers from the civil aerospace sector affected by the COVID-19 downturn.
“It’s fantastic to see how important Defence projects can benefit local communities, providing employment, training and other opportunities while also playing a vital role in sustaining Australia’s Defence capability,” Mr Ayres said.
“NSW has a highly skilled labour market, a deep and complex industrial base, world class research institutions and a geographically significant position on the Australian east coast and is well positioned for future Defence investment,” Mr Ayres said.
The new employees will join 140 already working at the site, including three apprentices from the recent Shoalhaven STEMship Program – a NSW Government funded initiative designed to support defence industry workforce development.
Mr Ward said the region’s growing Defence capability was an asset for NSW and Australia.
“I’m proud of the great effort and commitment our local workforce has shown helping secure key defence contracts. They’re doing a great job providing security to their families and communities, and the nation as a whole,” Mr Ward said.
Mrs Hancock said the NSW Government was committed to ensuring the region continued to grow its defence industry.
“The NSW Government is working with Defence prime contractors, to grow key defence industry regions and precincts, create skilled jobs and generate economic growth as the State economy recovers from COVID-19,” Mrs Hancock said.
“Projects like the $276 million Sikorsky sustainment contract will create skilled employment opportunities in the Shoalhaven region for local people, together with an opportunity for local SMEs to enter the global supply chain.”
Mr Ayres Mr Ward and Mrs Hancock also visited nearby Mellori Solutions to open its new Electronic Warfare Testing and Evaluation Laboratory, and toured co-located Global Defence Solutions (GDS) headquarters to inspect its deployable force infrastructure platforms, due for export to the New Zealand Defence Force.
The STEMship Program was launched at GDS-Mellori in 2019 and the companies currently employ 29 workers, with potential to create an additional 20 local jobs over the next two years.

$200 MILLION WYONG HOSPITAL REACHES HIGH POINT

A new, state-of-the-art hospital on the Central Coast is one step closer to completion with the six-storey clinical services building reaching its highest point.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the $200 million Wyong Hospital redevelopment would provide first-class healthcare services to the Central Coast.
“The $200 million Wyong Hospital Redevelopment will not only significantly increase health service capacity for the local community, it is also boosting employment for the region,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“This redevelopment has created more than 800 construction jobs, with more than 650 of these workers living locally.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the redeveloped hospital would have 60 additional inpatient beds.
“The NSW Government is continuing to invest in public hospitals across the state, with more than 30 per cent of the almost $2.7 billion allocated for health capital works in 2019-2020 going to regional and rural areas,” Mr Hazzard said.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said between 2016 and 2041 an additional 95,250 people are expected to call the Central Coast home.
“This $200 million transformation of Wyong Hospital will cater for our community’s health care needs now and into the future. It builds on the hundreds of millions of dollars the NSW Government is investing in roads, schools and community infrastructure across the Coast,” Mr Crouch said.
The new clinical services building will include:

  • A new emergency department;
  • A new intensive care unit;
  • A new psychiatric emergency care centre;
  • A new ambulatory paediatric unit;
  • A new and expanded medical imaging department;
  • A new and 28-bed medical assessment unit; and
  • Additional 60 inpatient beds with future expansion space.

The redevelopment also includes a refurbishment of the existing hospital to provide more operating theatre capacity, an expanded medical day unit and an expanded transit lounge.
The new building will be complete in mid-to-late 2021 and the refurbishment will be finished in early 2022.

Image released as arson investigation continues – Wallsend

Police have released a CCTV image as they continue to investigate several suspected arson attacks at a Wallsend property earlier this year.
Detectives attached to Newcastle City Police District have commenced an investigation in relation to three separate arson attacks at a home on Metcalfe Street, Wallsend, on Wednesday 24 June, Saturday 18 and Thursday 30 July 2020.
During the incidents, minor damage was received to the front and side of the home, a carport area and a vehicle.
An elderly woman was inside the home at the time of all three incidents, but she was uninjured.
As investigators continue their inquiries, police have released an image of a man who may be able to assist with their inquiries.
He’s described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander in appearance, between 170cm-180cm tall, with a solid build and facial hair.
Anyone with information which could assist detectives is urged to contact Newcastle Police Station or to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Man charged and woman fined following separate breaches of Public Health Orders

Police charged a man in Northern NSW and fined a woman in the Central West yesterday over alleged non-compliance with COVID-19 Public Health Orders.
Just before midday yesterday (Monday 10 August 2020), officers from Tweed/Byron Police District were called to a hotel on Wharf Street, Tweed Heads, after reports a man was refusing to leave.
Police were told the man was refused entry after he refused to sign-in or provide identification to comply with COVID-19 requirements but entered the establishment regardless, before allegedly intimidating and threatening the manager.
On arrival, police located the 38-year-old man – and his associates – in the carpark and requested their details, before the man became aggressive and abusive towards the officers.
A second man, aged 29, also became aggressive and was swearing at police, while the rest of the group walked away.
After the older man again refused to provide details and continued to act in an aggressive manner, he was arrested, and while he was being placed in a caged truck, the younger man was continuing to swear at police.
The younger man was issued an infringement for offensive language and given a move-on direction, while the older man was taken to Tweed Heads Police Station.
He was charged with intimidate police officer in execution of duty without actual bodily harm, stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm, excluded person fail to leave premises when required, use offensive language in/near public place/school and not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19.
The Banora Point man was refused bail to appear at Tweed Heads Local Court today (Tuesday 11 August 2020).
In a separate and unrelated incident, officers from Central West Police District became aware of reports a woman at Lake Cargelligo, who had recently entered NSW from Victoria, was failing to comply with the conditions of her entry permit on Sunday evening (9 August 2020).
An investigation commenced and officers spoke with the 34-year-old woman yesterday morning (Monday 10 August 2020), and directed her to comply with the conditions of her permit, which includes self-isolation at an address at Murrin Bridge.
Following further inquiries, police attended the designated address at Murrin Bridge again this morning (Tuesday 11 August 2020), and spoke with the woman before she was issued with a $1000 Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN) for breaching the Public Health Order on Sunday.
Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.
 

COVID-19 update: Action taken against two licensees, three issued PINs on NSW border

A licensee has been charged after allegedly failing to implement a COVID-19 Safety Plan, despite being warned and the business previously being issued with a $5000 Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN).
About 11.40am last Friday (7 August 2020) officers from Richmond Police District attended a licensed premise on the Bruxner Highway, west of Casino, to conduct a COVID-19 compliance check.
They spoke to the licensee, a 65-year-old man, who informed them he did not have a COVID-19 Safety Plan, as he was going to complete one the day before but his printer wasn’t working.
The premises was issued with a $5000 PIN for fail to comply with noticed direction, and the licensee was provided with further advice as to how to comply with the current health restrictions.
About 10.45am yesterday (Tuesday 11 August 2020) officers again attended the premises to ensure the correct practices had been put in place, however, when they arrived, the licensee was still unable to produce a COVID-19 Safety Plan.
This morning (Wednesday 12 August 2020) police returned to the premises and issued the man with a Court Attendance Notice for not comply with noticed direction.
He is due to appear at Casino Local Court on Thursday 8 October 2020.
In a separate incident, the licensee of a hotel at Tuncurry was issued with a $1000 PIN following an investigation into alleged breaches of COVID-19 Public Health Orders over the weekend.
On Saturday 8 August 2020, officers from Manning Great Lakes Police District were conducting proactive patrols when they attended the premises on Manning Street and identified a number of potential breaches.
Of note, a 21st birthday gathering was underway, which inquiries revealed had been booked for 10 people, however, numerous others were in attendance.
Further, social distancing was not being adhered to, in particular in the pub’s gaming area.
Following further inquiries, the licensee was issued with a $1000 PIN for fail to comply with noticed direction yesterday (11 August 2020).
Investigations remain underway into the planned birthday party.
Three PINs were also issued to individuals in separate incidents yesterday (Tuesday 11 August 2020):

  • A 23-year-old man was issued a $1000 PIN by officers from Murray River Police District after attempting to enter NSW for the third time without a valid permit.
  • A 65-year-old man was issued a $1000 PIN by officers from Barrier Police District after continuing through the Buronga border checkpoint despite being denied entry due to not having a valid permit.
  • A 58-year-old man was issued a $1000 PIN by officers from Murray River Police District after entering NSW without a valid permit. The man was stopped on the Hume Highway at Woomargama for the purposes of a Random Breath Test yesterday (Tuesday 11 August 2020). When spoken to by officers, he produced a Victorian licence and an invalid NSW border entry permit. He was issued a $1000 PIN, directed to leave NSW and escorted back to the Victorian border.

Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

Man dies after New Lambton crash

Police are awaiting the results of a post-mortem examination after a man died following a crash at New Lambton overnight.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District have been told the man was travelling north along Lookout Road about 6.40pm (Monday 10 August 2020), when his Ford Falcon sedan crossed a median strip and into oncoming traffic.
The sedan and a Holden Colorado ute, travelling in the opposite direction, collided.
Off-duty hospital staff were driving past at the time and stopped to render assistance.
They performed CPR on the driver of the sedan, a 26-year-old man, until emergency services arrived.
The Ford driver was removed from the wreckage and taken to John Hunter Hospital; however, he died a short time later.
The driver of the ute, a 30-year-old woman from Belmont, was also taken to John Hunter Hospital where she is being treated for injuries to her left foot and right wrist.
As police continue their inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the crash, anyone who may have witnessed the incident is urged to contact police.
A report will be prepared for the information of the coroner.

TEDDY SHEEAN

Labor welcomes the Prime Minister’s concession today that Teddy Sheean is a war hero fit to be awarded a Victoria Cross (VC).
Today’s outcome is the correct decision. Teddy showed extraordinary bravery, sacrificing his own life to save and protect his comrades.
The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal (DHAAT), Teddy’s family and supporters, our veteran community and all Tasmanians can all be proud that they did not give up on this fight to finally see justice for Teddy.
But it should not have taken a review of a review to do the right thing.
Earlier this year, the Minister for Defence told the Senate:
“…the government’s view is that the 2019 review by the tribunal did not present any compelling new evidence that might support reconsideration of the valour inquiry’s recommendation. That is also my view, and that is also the view of Defence.”
But we know the independent DHAAT – the most appropriate body to make such recommendations – already found new evidence and recommended that Teddy be awarded a posthumous VC.
There was never any ambiguity in the evidence they found as the Prime Minister has suggested in his announcement today.
The Prime Minister’s backflip comes only now, even after:

Labor congratulates Teddy’s family and their fellow Tasmanians who campaigned so strongly to recognise Teddy’s bravery in the way he deserves.

VICTORIAN MPS MUST BE ABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN PARLIAMENT

Labor is calling on the Morrison Government to ensure MPs who cannot attend Federal Parliament because of COVID-19 can still contribute to debate via videolink.
The Chief Medical Officer has provided advice that Victorian MPs who want to attend Parliament will need to isolate at home or in the ACT for 14 days before sittings begin.
Labor does not dispute the medical advice but it clearly means many Victorian MPs, particularly those with caring or family responsibilities, will not be able to attend.
The Government must therefore ensure those MPs can still participate – and represent their constituents – by giving speeches, and asking and answering questions.
It has never been more important for Victorians to have their say in our Parliament. Given the medical advice, allowing Victorian MPs to contribute to debate via videolink will ensure the Victorian people can continue to have their voices heard.
For weeks Labor has been calling on the Government to put in place the arrangements that would allow Parliament to resume on August 24.
That’s why we called for a bipartisan working group with House of Representatives Speaker Tony Smith and Senate President Scott Ryan to ensure sittings could proceed.
It is disappointing Mr Morrison sought his own advice from the CMO before the working group had an opportunity to determine whether other protocols may have been possible. The working group was productive and cooperative.
Proper parliamentary scrutiny of the Morrison Government should not be a casualty of the coronavirus pandemic – particularly as it engages in the biggest spending program in Australian history.
The cancellation of Parliament should always be a last resort.
While Australians are adjusting the way they do their work or run their business to be COVID safe, it is fair that they expect their Parliament to keep working in their interests during this crisis.