The ADF has commenced a gradual drawdown of forces in Timor-Leste. This follows a favourable assessment of the steadily improving security situation in Dili. At the height of operations, the ADF had about 3000 personnel from Army, Navy and Air Force deployed. As the security situation continues to improve and the focus moves more to police operations, elements of the military force that were essential in the initial deployment will return to Australia and their families. The ADF drawdown will not be conducted on a set time-line. Decisions to withdraw personnel and equipment will be based on careful monitoring of the conditions in Timor-Leste.

Although some personnel and equipment are returning to Australia, a robust Australian military force will remain in Timor-Leste. Australia remains committed to providing a stable environment to enable the people of Timor-Leste to resolve the issues that have caused recent tensions peacefully.

In the last ten days, naval assets involved in the sustainment of the initial deployment including HMAS Kanimbla and three Army Blackhawk helicopters have returned to Australia. Over the next few weeks it is planned that an infantry company, about 23 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) and crews, and some logistic and headquarters staff will also return. These reductions will leave a capable Australian force of around 2000 in Timor-Leste based on a reduced infantry battalion group, with APC and helicopter support. Further reductions are anticipated in due course as the security situation continues to improve and a comprehensive civilian logistic support contract is implemented.

Australian forces have been working closely with the Timorese Government, and forces from Malaysia, New Zealand and Portugal to stabilise the security situation and facilitate the separation of the various conflicting groups back into safe and secure locations. In the two months since they deployed, the streets of Dili have been transformed from chaos to relative calm with business beginning to return to normal. This has allowed Timorese leaders to begin to work through a range of complex issues.

Future forces in Timor-Leste are likely to be underpinned by an international security force made up of police and military elements. Discussions are continuing with the Timor-Leste Government and the international community regarding the structure and contribution that Australia could make to this force.