SENATOR JOHN FAULKNER
Minister for Defence
Tuesday, 9 February 2010
013/2009
Townsville soldiers returning from East Timor
72 soldiers from Townsville-based 2nd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment have
returned home to Australia following a successful deployment to East Timor as part
of Operation ASTUTE.
Over the coming weeks a further 180 soldiers serving in the International
Stabilisation Force (ISF) will return to Australia and be replaced by soldiers from the
8/9th Battalion RAR based in Brisbane. The first group of 78 soldiers from the 8/9th
Battalion RAR arrived in East Timor’s capital, Dili, this afternoon.
The Minister for Defence, Senator John Faulkner, applauded the achievements of the
returning personnel in assisting one of Australia’s closest neighbours.
“I congratulate the soldiers returning to Australia today on the success of their
mission,” Senator Faulkner said.
“The improved security conditions that have emerged during the deployment of these
soldiers has enabled the ISF mission to evolve.
“Our soldiers now perform fewer direct security tasks and increasingly focus on
capacity-building and training of the East Timorese Defence Force.
“This shift could not have been considered were it not for the excellent work
completed by these service men and women,” Senator Faulkner said.
The capacity-building activities undertaken by the ISF include military skills training
for the East Timorese Defence Force in areas such as first aid and communications,
military police and community-based construction projects.
The rotation of personnel from East Timor also coincides with a further reduction in
troop numbers of Operation ASTUTE. In December 2009, Senator Faulkner
announced that Australia’s commitment to the ISF would draw down from
approximately 650 to around 400 personnel by February 2010.
The ISF is comprised of Defence Force members from Australia and New Zealand
operating at the request of the Government of East Timor and the United Nations to
strengthen security, stability and confidence 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
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