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There have been many developments since the collapse of state authority in Timor-Leste. The country has a new president and a new coalition government. It is time to review how these developments might affect Australia's long-term interests in Timor-Leste.
The paper, authored by Bob Lowry, examines a range of Australian security interests in Timor-Leste, the factors contributing to the state collapse in 2006, and lessons for Australia in the handling of that crisis. Key conclusions address overall measures that Timor-Leste will need to implement to prevent a re-occurrence of the crisis of 2006.
"Advancing Australia's interests in Timor-Leste is best achieved by cooperation with the government of that country. The alternative of isolation and neglect, would undermine the financial and material commitment Australia has made to Timor-Leste's security and development since 1999, and risk a return to crisis," says author Bob Lowry.
