Australia Expands Timor-Leste Solidarity Medal Eligibility
The Australian Government has welcomed a significant gesture from Timor-Leste, accepting President José Ramos-Horta's offer to broaden the Timor-Leste Solidarity Medal eligibility.
The move means more Australians who served in Timor-Leste since 1999 will now be recognised for their contribution to peace, stability and nation-building efforts in the region.
Under the updated criteria, the medal will now be available to:
- Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel and veterans
- Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers
- Individuals who completed at least 30 days on mandated missions in Timor-Leste since 1999
The expanded eligibility also includes those who were medically withdrawn due to injury, as well as uniformed members involved in the Defence Cooperation Program and the Timor-Leste Police Development Program.
Recognising Service and Sacrifice
The Timor-Leste Solidarity Medal is a foreign award that honours the efforts of those who supported operations during one of the most important regional peacekeeping and stabilisation missions in recent decades. It remains an important addition to collections of Australian military medals, especially for those who served on Timor-related operations.
Australia played a major role in Timor-Leste following the 1999 independence referendum, contributing military, policing and humanitarian support during a critical period of transition. The expanded medal criteria acknowledges the broader group of Australians who served during those years.
Members of the International Stabilisation Force in East Timor on parade at the Presidental Palace to receive the Timor Leste Solidarity Medal from the President of East Timor Dr Jose Ramos Horta (Image courtesy of Defence) What Happens Next?
For current serving ADF personnel, Defence will review service records and update eligible members’ approval status, with the process expected to be completed by 30 June 2026.
Veterans and former AFP officers who meet the criteria may purchase and wear the medal, while serving members who qualify may also obtain the award.
ADF personnel, veterans and families should visit: https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-members-families/honours-awards/foreign-awards/timor-leste-solidarity-medal, or contact 1800 DEFENCE.
Eligible recipients may choose to obtain the medal in full-size, miniature, ribbon bar, or mounted formats. Many veterans also update existing medal groups so the Timor-Leste Solidarity Medal can be worn correctly beside other service medals and honours.
Strengthening Australia–Timor-Leste Ties
The announcement reflects the enduring friendship between Australia and Timor-Leste and recognises the shared history between the two nations. It also serves as an important acknowledgement of the Australians who contributed to peace and security in the region over many years.
FAQs
Who is now eligible for the Timor-Leste Solidarity Medal?
Under the expanded 2026 eligibility criteria, the Timor-Leste Solidarity Medal is now available to Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel and veterans, plus Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers who served at least 30 days on mandated missions in Timor-Leste since 1999. Eligibility also includes members withdrawn due to injury or medical necessity, along with uniformed members of the Defence Cooperation Program and the Timor-Leste Police Development Program.
How do veterans apply for or obtain the Timor-Leste Solidarity Medal?
ADF and AFP veterans who meet the updated service criteria can purchase and wear the Timor-Leste Solidarity Medal. Current serving ADF members do not need to apply manually in many cases, as Defence has advised that eligible personnel records will be updated automatically. Veterans should review their service history and confirm eligibility before ordering the medal.
Why was the Timor-Leste Solidarity Medal eligibility expanded in 2026?
The Australian Government accepted an offer from Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta to broaden medal eligibility as a gesture of friendship and recognition for Australians who helped support peace, stability and nation-building operations in Timor-Leste. More than 20,000 Australians served there, making the expansion a significant acknowledgement of that contribution.
