Paul Scarr (Queensland, Liberal Party) | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister for Defence, Senator Reynolds. Can the minister please update the Senate on plans to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the INTERFET mission?

Linda Reynolds (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence) | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Scarr for that very important question. As many in this chamber may be aware Friday 20 September marks 20 years since the deployment of the International Force East Timor, commonly known as INTERFET. On this day the Australian led INTERFET arrived in Timor-Leste under the command of Major General Peter Cosgrove. Its mission was to restore peace and security following the violence that erupted in the wake of the 30 August Popular Consultation on the question of Timor-Leste's independence. Through INTERFET, Australia and International partners from over 22 nations worked alongside the people of Timor-Leste to overcome violence with peace. Twenty years later this Friday, Timor-Leste is a proud nation with a vibrant democracy, strong institutions and a resilient population striving for growth and prosperity. This is why I'm so honoured to be travelling to Dili along with now retired general the Hon. Sir Peter Cosgrove and the Minister for Veterans and Defence Personnel, the Hon. Darren Chester, to represent Australia and mark this important milestone in Timor-Leste's history.

The commemorations will also be significant for thousands of Australians who served in Timor-Leste. I'll be joined by a contingent of around 60 serving Army, Navy and Air Force veterans who served with the INTERFET mission, as well as the crew of HMAS Choules, which will be in Dili over the commemoration period. I very much look forward to standing with the Timor-Leste government and the people of Timor-Leste to remember INTERFET and all of those who served so honourably in the pursuit of peace.

Scott Ryan (President) | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Scarr, a supplementary question?

Paul Scarr (Queensland, Liberal Party) | Link to this | Hansard source

Can the minister update the Senate on Australia's Defence relationship with Timor-Leste?

Linda Reynolds (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence) | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you very much Senator Scarr. Since the days of INTERFET, Australia has worked tirelessly with Timor-Leste to develop its defence and its own sovereign security capability. Today, Australia is Timor-Leste's largest development and security partner. Our $7 million Defence Cooperation Program has almost doubled over the last five years and is now the second largest in the region behind our contributions to PNG. Our $7 million Defence Cooperation Program focuses on two-way cooperation in the areas of maritime security; engineers and infrastructure development; logistics; and also peacekeeping. I very much look forward to learning about Timor-Leste's priorities for future security cooperation when I meet my counterpart, Minister Meno, tomorrow.

My visit also coincides with the conclusion of exercise Hari'i Hamutuk—a month-long annual bilateral engineering exercise. These words mean 'build together' in Tetum, and indeed we are. (Time expired)

Scott Ryan (President) | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Scarr, a final supplementary question?

Paul Scarr (Queensland, Liberal Party) | Link to this | Hansard source

Can the minister update the Senate on Australia's maritime cooperation in Timor-Leste?

Linda Reynolds (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence) | Link to this | Hansard source

Again, thank you Senator Scarr. Australia is working with Timor-Leste to address shared maritime security challenges. In August our Prime Minister announced a new joint maritime security package. This package includes a commitment to fund the construction of a new wharf and other infrastructure improvements at the Hera naval base in preparation for the arrival of two Australian gifted Guardian class patrol boats in 2023.

In the interim, Australia will provide Timor-Leste with a vessel to assist the Timorese naval component to develop core skills and experience at sea. During my visit to the Hera naval base, I will formally offer to further support to fund a concept design for a broader upgrade of the base to ensure this important naval facility meets Timor-Leste's sovereign needs. The support will significantly enhance Timor-Leste's capacity to patrol and also to protect its maritime domain.