Return to Timor-Leste -20 years on
Timor-Leste experienced a violent political crisis in April 2006, leading to one of Australia’s largest peacekeeping deployments: Operation Astute. Australian, Malaysian, New Zealand and Portuguese personnel helped restore security and provide humanitarian assistance at the request of the Timor-Leste Government.
An estimated 9,700 Australians deployed to Operation Astute between 2006 and 2013 in order to assist our close neighbour rebuild. This response to the 2006 Timor-Leste crisis saw the largest deployment of amphibious ships by the Royal Australian Navy since the Second World War.
Twenty years on, this anniversary offers a moment to reflect on the service of those who deployed.
Australia’s contribution to operations in Timor-Leste form part of our newly opened Australian Peacekeeping from 1947 – gallery in Anzac Hall, which honours the stories of over 45,000 Australian police and military personnel who have served in peacekeeping missions around the world.
Private Anthony Meixner, A Company, 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR), armed with a Minimi light machine gun, provides security for Bombeiros (East Timorese firefighters, out of picture), as they attempt to put out a major fire lit by feuding gangs in Calico, near the Old Market area of Dili. David Dare Parker. Accession number P05381.022.
Private Steven Constable provides security for the Bombeiros (East Timorese firefighters), as they attempt to put out a major fire lit by feuding gangs in Calico, near the Old Market area.
Australian troops travelling in an M113 armoured personnel carrier (APC), provide protection for East Timorese firefighters. David Dare Parker
Some 2,000 protestors have been briefly stopped at a military roadblock as they head for Dili to show their support for President Xanana Gusmao, and demand the removal of Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri.
Australian Defence Force M113 Armoured Personel Carriers from 3rd Squardon, 3rd/4th Cavalry Regiment patrol the fringes of an election rally for Presidential Candidate Mari Alkateri in the Manatuto district outside of the capital Dili. Glen Campbell
ADF troops patrol the streets of Dili during Operation Astute to stabilise East Timor after an upswell in violence and civic disturbance in the lead up to the 2007 Presidential election.
Malaysian troops in an armoured personnel carrier (APC), working with Australian peacekeepers. David Dare Parker
Australian and Peacekeeping
Australia has had peacekeepers in the field with the United Nations since 1947.