TIMOR LESTE' SOLIDARITY MEDAL update

 

So – What has happened since August 2025 (when the letter was signed by
President Ramos-Horta)?
Apparently, the letter has been bouncing around the ADF and DVA
(for what reason DVA – I have no idea) since that time. A check of
the comments made against the original Face Book ‘Posting’ reveals
that a number of ADF veterans have contacted the ADF Honours
and Awards.

The ‘standard’ response has been:
“Thank you for your enquiry regarding the Timor-Leste
Solidarity Medal (TLSM).
Defence recognises and acknowledges the deep and
sincere friendship between Australia and Timor-Leste.
The Australian Government is seeking confirmation about
a proposed expansion of the eligibility criteria of the
Timor-Leste Solidarity Medal (TLSM).
Should the eligibility be expanded, Defence will
make information available for Australian Defence Force
members, veterans and families”.

From Rod WALKER (National Vice P)resident adn Editor TB)

What about AFP personnel who served on a mandated
mission in Timor-Leste and were not awarded the TLSM?
The ‘original’ eligibility for the awarding of the TLSM was (in
abbreviated format):
The eligibility criteria for the medal was as follows:
- Members qualify having served a minimum of 180 days continuous
or accrued service in East Timor from 1 May 2006.
- Nominations will be considered for personnel that have served
a minimum of 120 days from 1 May 2006.
- Nominations will be considered for personnel who served with a start
date in May or June 2006 for a period at least 90 days.

The President of the Republic may consider extraordinary cases outside
the above time periods.

No further applications were considered after December 2013.

What have I done?

I have contacted AFP Recognition and Customs and
enquired about the validity of the letter from the Timor-Leste
President (as you are aware, a lot of inaccurate/hoax things are
posted on social media).

The following is the response I have received:

‘The AFP is aware of the correspondence from President
Ramos-Horta regarding changes to the eligibility for the
Timor-Leste Solidarity Medal (TLSM).

Work is underway with relevant stakeholders regarding
the amendments and what administrative processes are
required to implement the changes in eligibility.
A communications plan is being developed to communicate the
changes in eligibility for the TLSM which will be disseminated
to eligible AFP members, both current and former, in due
course. Until this occurs, medal applications submitted for the
TLSM will only be considered as per the current criteria of 180 days.

So what happens next?

At present all we can do is ‘Sit and Wait’. As stated by AFP R&C.

The Australian decision making process will continue to churn and
we will await the outcome. I must add, I understand AFP are not
included in the decision making process. That is in the realm of
the ADF and other government departments.