Australia has committed a $60 million security and resilience package to Timor-Leste, featuring $19 million dedicated to cyber security upgrades and new maritime policing vessels for the Timor-Leste National Police, as reported by Foreign Minister Penny Wong.
The funding bolsters regional security arrangements as Timor-Leste steps into a broader role as ASEAN’s newest member. The new commitments build directly upon the Parseria Foun ba Era Foun (New Partnership for a New Era) agreement, which Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Timor-Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão signed in January 2026.
Expanding Maritime Patrols and Digital Forensics
The package addresses key infrastructure needs across maritime defense and law enforcement. The Timor-Leste National Police (PNTL) will receive new maritime policing vessels designed to handle marine search and rescue operations, secure territorial waters, and counter transnational crime.
Complementing these physical assets, the initiative establishes digital forensics capabilities. This component is aimed at strengthening national policing agencies’ investigative reach, specifically targeting cybercrime and the disruption of regional scam center operations.
| Investment Area | Allocation / Focus | Core Objectives |
|---|---|---|
| Cyber Security Uplift | More than $19 million | Specialist advisors, incident response support, and critical infrastructure protection. |
| Maritime Policing Vessels | Undisclosed portion of the $60M package | Territorial patrols, marine search and rescue, and countering transnational crime. |
| Digital Forensics | Integrated policing program | Investigating cybercrime and disrupting scam center operations. |
| Disaster Response | Multi-year resilience funding | Preparedness integration with ASEAN and Australian disaster response systems. |
Deepening Bilateral Ties and Police Training
The agreement extends the longevity of existing security partnerships, notably the Timor-Leste Police Development Program, which has operated continuously for 22 years. Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke noted that the updated program is designed to remain responsive to the needs of the Timorese people.
“Australia and Timor-Leste share a history of deep security cooperation, underpinned by decades of security cooperation and strong people-to-people ties. This package reflects the trust and friendship between our countries,”
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles stated in a media release.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong emphasized that the Parseria Joint Declaration continues to drive a new operational era between the neighboring countries, aligning practical assistance with shared regional stability goals.
