Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the member for Solomon for his question. Of course, he served in Timor-Leste with the Australian Defence Force and has an important relationship with the people of East Timor, including its leaders. One of the things that strikes you very clearly when you visit Timor-Leste is the respect that members of the Australian Defence Force and others who've provided support for the people over a period of time for their struggle of independence and since then are held in. Last week was the first time I visited as Prime Minister, and there was a very warm reception from President Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Gusmao. I was honoured to address the national parliament. We spoke of our shared history but also our shared future—the deep bond between our two nations. Of course, that bond was forged during World War II. When Australian troops were there, fighting for the defence of our nation in our darkest hour, the people of East Timor provided extraordinary support. Fifty thousand lives were lost as a direct result of the fact that the Timorese were there, side-by-side with Australian diggers. Many Australians were captured and imprisoned by the Japanese during that struggle, including my mentor, Tom Uren.

After the 1999 independence referendum, and again in 2006, Australia stepped up to secure peace and democracy in Timor-Leste. Our historic bonds are important, and now we look towards our nations' shared future. We proudly supported Timor-Leste's ascension to ASEAN last year, the 11th nation to be given full membership. Together we signed, with Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao, a parseria, a new partnership for a new era, an updated security agreement focused on cooperation. This is a relationship between equal partners based on mutual respect. I thank Timor-Leste for the honour that I was given while I was there, which I received on behalf of Australia as well.

My visit to Indonesia on Thursday will also be an important step in engaging in our region. These relationships are so important for Australia. The new alliance with Papua New Guinea, the treaty that we will sign with President Prabowo on Friday in Indonesia, the parseria with Timor-Leste—these upgraded relationships in our region are critical. In a turbulent world, we have a crucial role as a middle power, bringing nations together, advocating for our shared interests, and building a region and a world where sovereignty is respected and where the economic potential of our nation and our region is fulfilled. We are always working in the national interest to make a positive difference in the lives that we serve and to represent the Australian people. I look forward to visiting Indonesia later this week, and I thank very much President Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Gusmao for the very warm reception. They are both very good and dear friends of Australia.

On that note, Mr Speaker, I ask that further questions be placed on the Notice Paper.

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