DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6127 1999, Fax: 02 6265 1545
MSPA 475/10
Monday, 11 October 2010
Change of Command in East Timor
The Commander of the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) in East Timor, Colonel
Simon Stuart, concluded his eight month deployment passing command of the joint
Australian and New Zealand force to Colonel Mick Reilly last Saturday.
Colonel Stuart praised members of the ISF and reflected on the improvements he has
seen in East Timor.
“I am really proud of the ANZAC team who comprise the ISF, for all of their
dedication and hard work over the past eight months. They have been quiet achievers
and have done a sterling job by any measure,” said Colonel Stuart.
“Much of their work will have enduring effects for the people and Government of
East Timor who are enjoying the benefits of a lasting period of stability.”
“East Timor continues to face many challenges, but we need to recognise that there is
progress being made all the time in this young nation.”
“In our work with the Defence Cooperation Program alongside the F-FDTL (the
Defence Force of East Timor) we have seen encouraging progress, particularly in
terms of planning capacity. I think there is a real sense of hope for the future here,”
said Colonel Stuart.
The new Commander, Colonel Reilly, said he is looking forward to continuing the
effective work of the previous ISF rotations.
Throughout October over half of the 400 Australian troops in East Timor will be
replaced after successfully supporting the Government of East Timor and the United
Nations in maintaining a stable and secure environment for the ongoing development
of the country.
The departing troops arrived in the ISF between February and June 2010 and include
members from the 8th/9th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, Signals and
Combat Support units and members of the Royal Australian Navy and Air Force.
The troops will be replaced by the same number of personnel from the ADF,
including the Army Reserve, mainly from 11 Brigade based in Queensland.
The ISF will maintain a rapid response capacity during the changeover of personnel
that can be deployed throughout East Timor if significant civil disturbances were to
occur.
DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6127 1999, Fax: 02 6265 1545
Media Note:
The incoming Commander of the ISF Colonel Mick Reilly and the departing
Commander of the ISF Colonel Simon Stuart are available for interview.
Imagery is available at:
Media contact:
Public Affairs Officer Headquarters 7th Brigade: LT Carrie Miner: (07) 3332 5964 or
0417 722 273
Defence Media Liaison: 02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
Up to the minute information on Australian Defence Force operations is now
available on Twitter at twitter.com/AusDefenceForce.
NEWS 
