Wednesday 2 July 2008
EXTRA AFP PERSONNEL TO SUPPORT EAST TIMOR
The Australian Government's commitment to developing a more effective police force for East Timor began today, with two Australian Federal Police personnel departing Australia under funding announced in the Budget.
The Minister for Home Affairs Bob Debus met the two members at Darwin Airport today as they departed for East Timor.
"Starting with today's deployment, the AFP will gradually build its contribution to 80 personnel with the Timor-Leste Police Development Program over the coming year.
"The aim is to help build the foundations for a more effective and accountable police service for the people of East Timor.
"The growth in the Program is a sign of confidence in the work that the Australian Federal Police and Policia Nacional de Timor-Leste are doing together."
The two members, a financial expert and a police adviser, will join 12 AFP members who are already working in East Timor with the TLPDP.
The AFP received $53.7 million over two years to strengthen the TLPDP to provide literacy and general police education to improve skills and executive management.
The AFP currently has 66 personnel in East Timor including the 12 working under the TLPDP, 50 working under the United Nations Mission, three members seconded to the Prosecutor General's taskforce and one member working within the Australian Embassy.
The TLPDP is a bilateral arrangement between the Australian Government and the Government of East Timor.
Media Contact: Samantha Wills 0448 721 372