Why did Australia intervene in East Timor?

Australian Defence Force units arrived in East Timor in 1999 to quell the rioting, disorder and low-level fighting created by the Indonesian military’s scorched earth campaign as it withdrew from its former possession in 1999.

What was the cause of the violence in East Timor in 1999?

The 1999 East Timorese crisis began with attacks by pro-Indonesia militia groups on civilians, and expanded to general violence throughout the country, centred in the capital Dili. The violence intensified after a majority of eligible East Timorese voters chose independence from Indonesia.

Did the Japanese invade East Timor?

Japan occupied Portuguese (East) Timor in February 1942, not to incorporate the neutral territory into the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere but to expel Australian troops who had occupied the colony two months earlier on the assumption that Japan would invade.

What are the problems in East Timor?

There are major issues regarding abuse of children, lack of education and high levels of malnourishment. Child abuse, including physical and psychological abuse and sexual violence is a serious problem in East Timor. Additionally, corporal punishment is still used to discipline children at school and at home.

How does East Timor make money?

Oil and gas The first significant new development in the JPDA since East Timorese independence is the largest petroleum resource in the Timor Sea, the Greater Sunrise gas field.

What was Australia’s role in East Timor?

Australia had a part in East Timor’s march to tragedy and a key role in its salvation. Cruel ironies and strange mirror effects mark Australia’s performance in the lead-up to Indonesia’s invasion, in 1974–75, and East Timor’s independence vote in 1999.

Did ASIS spy on Timor-Leste negotiations?

Witness K, a former senior ASIS intelligence officer who led the bugging operation, confidentially noted in 2012 the Australian Government had accessed top-secret high-level discussions in Dili and exploited this during negotiations of the Timor Sea Treaty.

Who is the real hero of East Timor?

Australia cast itself as the hero of East Timor. But it was US military might that got troops in | Paul Daley | The Guardian Australia cast itself as the hero of East Timor. But it was US military might that got troops in

When did Australia install listening devices in East Timor?

The installation of listening devices occurred 18 months after the 2002 Bali bombings, during a time of heightened ASIS activity in the Southeast Asia region. In 2006, Australia and East Timor signed the second CMats treaty.