Travel to Timor-Leste for the 25th Anniversary of the International Force East Timor

Today, I will travel to Timor-Leste to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the deployment of the International Force East Timor (INTERFET) in Dili.

INTERFET was an Australian-led multinational peacekeeping task force, authorised through a United Nations Security Council Resolution, to assist with restoring peace and security in Timor-Leste.

When the Timorese people took the courageous step of voting for independence in 1999 and asked the international community for help to secure their nation, Australia answered.

Led by General Sir Peter Cosgrove AK AC (Mil) CVO MC (Retd) from 1999-2000, INTERFET remains Australia's largest peacekeeping mission to date, and at the time was our largest overseas military deployment since the Vietnam War.

Australia played a central role, contributing 5,500 Australian Defence Force (ADF) members to INTERFET, alongside personnel from more than 20 contributing nations. 

It is an honour to mark this significant milestone alongside General Cosgrove, and a number of Australian Defence Force veterans who are returning to Timor-Leste, very fittingly on the 77th anniversary of Australian Peacekeeping. 

INTERFET continues to symbolise the importance of international partners working together in support of a peaceful, prosperous and resilient region. 

Australia is proud to be Timor-Leste’s largest development and security partner and we remain close friends.

MEDIA NOTE:

Media can access imagery/vision at: http://images.defence.gov.au/S20242686

The Australian National Commemorative Service to commemorate 25 years of Australian service in Timor-Leste will be held from 10:00am at the Australian Peacekeeping Memorial on Anzac Parade, Canberra in Australia on Friday 20 September.

For more information go to www.dva.gov.au/timor-leste25. 

Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling provides 24/7 free confidential crisis support for current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families on 1800 011 046 or the Open Arms website. Safe Zone Support provides anonymous counselling on 1800 142 072. Defence All-Hours Support Line provides support for ADF personnel on 1800 628 036 or the Defence Health Portal. Defence Member and Family Helpline provides support for Defence families on 1800 624 608