We’re making a difference
Volume 11, No. 44, June 01, 2006
By Cpl Andrew Hetherington

CDF ACM Angus Houston has said that ADF personnel involved in Operation Astute are making a real difference.

Addressing a media briefing last Friday, ACM Houston gave a strong endorsement of the ADF’s readiness to meet objectives.

“Morale is high, we are doing what we are trained to do and I think we are making a real difference,” ACM Houston said.

“Our people will perform in a very professional way, and helping the young nation of Timor Leste sort out its problems is something we will do with great relish, enthusiasm, and in a highly professional way.

“I have great confidence in the men and women of the ADF who have been deployed. They are well prepared and well equipped for this task. Nevertheless this is a dangerous mission and I am sure all Australians will join me in wishing our troops the best of luck for their mission and a safe return home.”

He expressed the hope that the situation could be resolved as quickly and peacefully as possible and the people of Dili and surrounding areas could feel safe again.

Having obtained agreement from the principals of the government in Timor Leste, the ADF was going in with a policy of disengagement to separate warring factions and would be completely neutral in that endeavour.

He said the ADF had robust rules of engagement developed from lessons learnt in the first Timor operation in 1999, the Solomon Islands and other recent operations.