A message from the State President: 25th anniversary of Australian service in Timor-Leste

Between 1999 to 2013, some 18,800 Australian military and police personnel – and additional civilians – were deployed to Timor-Leste (formerly East Timor) to serve as a part of a multinational peacemaking, peacekeeping and humanitarian operation.  

One of the most significant, and challenging, chapters in this was the deployment of the International Force East Timor (INTERFET), famously commanded by Major General Peter Cosgrove.  

It all started with the deployment of the International Force East Timor (INTERFET), where soldiers, sailors and aviators were able to seamlessly transition from a typical Saturday – off duty for most – to being on the ground in Timor-Leste barely a week later. 

INTERFET was the first major international coalition ever led by Australia and remains Australia’s largest overseas military deployment since the Vietnam War.  

The 22-nation force comprised more than 11,500 personnel, of which approximately 5,500 were Australian whose missions included restoring peace and security, and facilitating humanitarian assistance operations, in response to attacks by pro-Indonesia militias on Timorese civilians. 

Throughout the campaign, our service personnel showed heartfelt compassion for the impoverished, long-suffering children, men and women of Timor-Leste, they took them into their hearts. And so, they helped win the key struggle in these sort of operations – the fight for the hearts and minds of the people.  

Because of their success, Australia grew a little more confident with its place in the world. It is, and rightly so, common for those who served in Timor-Leste all those years ago to declare with pride that they served with INTERFET. RSL Queensland salutes you and your efforts. 

General Sir Peter Cosgrove AK CVO MC (Retd) speaking at the 20th Anniversary service in Dili, East Timor.

While it is important that we continue to reflect and commemorate the poignant conflicts of Australia’s military history, it is our duty to also remember and proudly recognise our contribution to peacemaking and peacekeeping operations across the world, including our service in Timor-Leste. 

So, on 20 September 2024, let us all take a moment to honour those who served in Timor-Leste, and the sacrifice of their families.  

It might have been a tough campaign for us, but for the people of Timor-Leste, it was the start of the rest of their lives. 

Lest We Forget.