The Australian Government has accepted a generous offer from the President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, His Excellency Jose Ramos-Horta, to expand the eligibility criteria of the Timor-Leste Solidarity Medal (TLSM).

Eligibility will now be open to Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel and veterans, and Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers who served at least 30 days on mandated missions in Timor-Leste since 1999. 

The Medal will also be available to those withdrawn due to injury or medical necessity, and uniformed members of the Defence Cooperation Program or Timor-Leste Police Development Program. 

More than 20,000 Australians served in Timor-Leste. The President’s generous offer to expand the criteria for the medal serves as a reminder of the deep friendship between our two nations.

The TLSM is a foreign award and recognises the contribution of the men and women who supported stability and peace operations in Timor-Leste.

How to obtain the TLSM:

• ADF veterans: Anyone who meets the criteria of 30 days service can choose to purchase and wear the medal.
• Current serving ADF personnel: Defence will update the personnel records of ADF members who meet the criteria. This is expected to be complete by 30 June 2026.  
• Eligible AFP members: Contact AFP Honours and Awards at Honours-Awards@afp.gov.au.
   

More information
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. 

MEDIA NOTE:
Media can access imagery/vision at https://images.defence.gov.au/assets/20100977