SENATOR JOHN FAULKNER
Minister for Defence
Sunday, 20 September 2009
029/2009
TEN-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF INTERFET
Today marks the 10th Anniversary of the Australian-led International Force for
East Timor (INTERFET), which deployed to Dili on 20 September 1999 to restore
peace and security.
Reflecting on the success of the mission, Minister for Defence Senator John
Faulkner, paid tribute to the courage and professionalism of Australian and
coalition troops who rapidly worked to assist the fledgling nation and prevent
further bloodshed.
“The speed and effectiveness of Australian forces in stemming the violence
during the early days of INTERFET bears testimony to the quality and
professionalism of Australian troops.”
At its height, around 5,700 Australian troops consisting of three infantry battalion
groups and a headquarters were deployed as part of the INTERFET mission,
making it the largest deployment of Australian troops since Vietnam. Australian
forces were ably supported by troops drawn from 21 regional and international
partners.
“All INTERFET veterans, many of whom were deployed more than once to East
Timor, should be particularly proud of the contribution they have made to regional
security efforts”, the Minister for Defence said.
“They served their country with distinction and on the 10th Anniversary of
INTERFET, we recall and honour their service.”
Australian troops from every state and territory, both regular and reserve, have
served in East Timor. Over the last ten years, approximately 44,000 individual
deployments to East Timor have occurred, and of these, around 2,200 have been
women.
The work of INTERFET and its successor missions have been crucial in
establishing the security conditions necessary for nation building efforts.
“Australia looks forward to a continued partnership with the government of East
Timor, the United Nations and the international community to further consolidate
stability in East Timor.”
Media contacts:
Colin Campbell (John Faulkner):
02 6277 7800 or 0407 787 181
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
