I am pleased to announce that Her Majesty The Queen has approved the
establishment of a specific campaign medal for members of the Australian
Defence Force in East Timor. This will be known as the International
Force East Timor Medal.
Personnel who serve in the East Timor operational area for 30 days or
more will qualify for the campaign medal.
The Australian Active Service Medal clasp ‘East Timor'
will also be awarded to members of the Australian Defence Force and certain
associated personnel
with one day's service on the posted strength of a unit or formation,
or personally assigned to or actually stationed in the operational area
of East Timor.
The service by Australian troops in East Timor represents Australia's
most significant commitment of troops since World War II. In addition
the INTERFET coalition of 17 nations was led by Australia.
Australia will be inviting other nations which have contributed personnel
to INTERFET to use the International Force East Timor Medal as the means
of recognising their forces. This will be the first time that an Australian
medal has been used in this way.
On behalf of the nation I thank all those members of the Australian Defence
Force and all associated personnel who have served with such distinction
in East Timor.