Australia’s contribution to East Timor reached a significant milestone with the return to Australia today of members of 6 RAR marking the end of major security operations in East Timor, Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence Mal Brough said today.

"This is a significant day in the history of the Australian Defence Force as it marks the end of security operations for Australia’s largest military commitment since the Vietnam War," Mr. Brough said.

Minister Brough and the Chief of the Defence Force, General Peter Cosgrove welcomed home soldiers from 6 RAR at Brisbane airport this afternoon.

"Over 15,000 Australian Defence Force personnel have served their country with courage, pride and distinction since operations began in East Timor in September 1999."

"Members from every state and territory, both part time and reserve have served in East Timor. From the moment the Australian personnel arrived they began making an immediate difference to the lives of the East Timorese people. Their work has been crucial to the rebuilding of a nation and has established a bond with the people of East Timor that shall never be broken."

"It also proved, beyond any doubt, the value of our Defence cooperation relationships both in the region and beyond."

As part of Operations in East Timor Australian personnel served across a variety of locations including Dili, Bobonaro, Maliana, Memo, Balibo, Batugade, Aidabaleten, Motaain, Oecussi, Baucau, Suai, Moleana. Australian aircraft flew over 20,000 hours in support of operations and at the peak of operations the total ADF commitment was 5,500 personnel.

The United Nations Security Council has adopted a resolution renewing the mandate of the UN Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET) for a total of 12 months, until 20 May 2005. The Australian Defence Force has offered a contribution of about 100 personnel to the revised UN peacekeeping force, providing about a quarter of the total military presence.

David Moore (Mr Brough’s office) 0417 774 724

Defence Media Liaison 0408 498 664