THE HON JOEL FITZGIBBON MP
Minister for Defence
Wednesday, 22 October 2008
135/2008
ADF EAST TIMOR DEPLOYMENT TO REDUCE – A POSITIVE
SIGN OF STABILITY
The Australian Defence Force will reduce its total force presence in East
Timor to approximately 650 personnel by early next year.
The reduction in the total number of deployed personnel under Operation
ASTUTE is appropriate given improvements in the security situation in East
Timor.
The Minister for Defence, The Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP said the Australian
Government was encouraged by the growing ability of the East Timorese
security agencies, with support from the United Nations, to deal with security.
“The East Timorese authorities have shown through their professional
handling of the security situation that the time is now right for some drawdown
of the Australian ISF presence,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.
After the reduction in Australian troops, the International Stabilisation Force
will total 790 Australian and New Zealand personnel.
Mr Fitzgibbon said that there is no change to the mission of the ISF and that
Australian and New Zealand troops would continue to play a key role in East
Timor’s security.
“The ISF will continue to provide security support to the Government of East
Timor and the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) in
order to maintain a stable environment,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.
The Australian Government will also maintain the ability to rapidly reinforce
the ISF at short notice if required, as was demonstrated earlier this year.
“Australia remains committed to supporting the Government of East Timor in
developing its Defence Force and maintaining security and stability. The
remaining ISF troops will continue to provide support to the UN and Timorese
authorities,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.
Mr Fitzgibbon thanked the troops for all their hard work and sacrifice whilst
serving in East Timor.
Media contacts:
Christian Taubenschlag (Joel Fitzgibbon):
02 6277 7800 or 0438 595 567
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
