Senator REYNOLDS (Western Australia—Minister for Defence) (14:09): I thank Senator Scarr for that very important question. As many in this chamber may be aware Friday 20 September marks 20 years since the deployment of the International Force East Timor, commonly known as INTERFET. On this day the Australian led INTERFET arrived in Timor-Leste under the command of Major General Peter Cosgrove. Its mission was to restore peace and security following the violence that erupted in the wake of the 30 August Popular Consultation on the question of Timor-Leste's independence. Through INTERFET, Australia and International partners from over 22 nations worked alongside the people of Timor-Leste to overcome violence with peace. Twenty years later this Friday, Timor-Leste is a proud nation with a vibrant democracy, strong institutions and a resilient population striving for growth and prosperity. This is why I'm so honoured to be travelling to Dili along with now retired general the Hon. Sir Peter Cosgrove and the Minister for Veterans and Defence Personnel, the Hon. Darren Chester, to represent Australia and mark this important milestone in Timor-Leste's history. The commemorations will also be significant for thousands of Australians who served in Timor-Leste. I'll be joined by a contingent of around 60 serving Army, Navy and Air Force veterans who served with the INTERFET mission, as well as the crew of HMAS Choules, which will be in Dili over the commemoration period. I very much look forward to standing with the Timor-Leste government and the people of Timor-Leste to remember INTERFET and all of those who served so honourably in the pursuit of peace. The PRESIDENT: Senator Scarr, a supplementary question.