Telephone polling asking if ordinary seaman Teddy Sheean should receive a Victoria Cross for his actions during WWII has been slammed by Tasmanian independent senator Jacqui Lambie.
Whether Mr Sheean should receive the award has been the topic of continued debate, with Prime Minister Scott Morrison establishing yet another review into this following the federal government's refusal to uphold a recommendation to award the VC.
In the poll, conducted by MediaReach, respondents were asked to rank which issue was most important for Tasmania right now, with one option being the awarding of a VC to Mr Sheean.
The respondent is also asked if they were aware of a series of recent news events, including if they knew the federal government had rejected a recommendation to award the VC.
Senator Lambie said it was inappropriate to be polling on this topic.
"It's hurting a lot of people out there what's going on with Teddy Sheean," Senator Lambie said.
"Everybody down there [in Tasmania] is calling for a VC. [The Liberals need to] get out on the streets and talk to people."
In other news:
Veterans' Affairs Minister Guy Barnett said Teddy Sheean deserved a VC on the merit 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.''
Emily Jarvie
Emily Jarvie is a political journalist at The Advocate and The Examiner newspapers based in Hobart, Tasmania. Contact: emily.jarvie@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Emily Jarvie is a political journalist at The Advocate and The Examiner newspapers based in Hobart, Tasmania. Contact: emily.jarvie@austcommunitymedia.com.au
