Lieutenant General Peter cosgrove, chats with previous Australian of the year and famed Aussie criketer Allan Border at Australia Day celebrations in Canberra.

The Chief of the Air Force, Air Marshal Errol McCormack has congratulated Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Peter Cosgrove, as Australian of the Year 2001.

'It's fitting that recognition should go to an Australian Defence Force officer who ran the INTERFET operation on the ground in East Timor so skilfully,' Air Marshal McCormack said.

'It was difficult and, at times, dangerous work for the many members of the three Services involved - particularly after the Australian contingent first arrived.

'Lieutenant General Cosgrove took good care of all under his command including the many Air Force specialists on duty there in units such as the Airfield Defence Guards.'

'I thank him for this and congratulate him. Lieutenant General Cosgrove is a worthy recipient of such an honour.'