Veterans Affairs Minister Guy Barnett, who has been involved in the campaign to see Ordinary Seaman Edward 'Teddy' Sheean awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross, said he and the family remained hopeful of a positive outcome.

Ordinary Seamen Sheean, of Latrobe, died in December 1942 when the HMAS Armidale sunk off the coast of East Timor whilst under attack by Japanese aircraft. Sheean chose to continue operating his anti-aircraft gun rather than abandon ship.

The Defence Honors and Awards Appeals Tribunal held two days of hearings in Hobart on the matter in late March. Should the merit review be successful, Sheean would be the first Royal Australian Navy member to be awarded the Victoria Cross.

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"I can advise that the latest information is that that tribunal report and recommendation will be forwarded to the federal government this month, in July," Mr Barnett said. "This is a decision we believe is important to rectify an injustice that has occurred back on the 1^st of December, 1942."

"Teddy Sheean went down with the ship and it was a great tragedy. But we believe that bravery and courage will be recognised."

[Teddy Sheean's Victoria Cross campaign gets its 'best chance yet']

If accepted by the federal Veterans Affairs Minister, the recommendation will go to the Prime Minister and cabinet.

From there, it will need approval by Governor-General David Hurley and, if recommended for a Victoria Cross, the Queen.

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