The DCA is a status of forces agreement that sets out the reciprocal protections, responsibilities and privileges each country will grant the military personnel of the other in its territory.
The DCA was signed by Defence Ministers following a meeting between Prime Minister the Hon Anthony Albanese MP and President Dr Jose Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste.
President Ramos-Horta is visiting Australia this week as a Guest of Government, hosted by His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d), Governor-General of Australia.
The DCA will allow Australia and Timor-Leste to increase defence and security cooperation, especially in the maritime domain, given our shared border and adjacent maritime zones.
It will enhance our ability to operate together as required, conduct exercises and training, and cooperate on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
The Agreement means Timorese military members operating, exercising or training in Australia will receive the same protections, responsibilities and privileges as Australian personnel will receive in Timor-Leste.
During their meeting, Prime Minister Albanese and President Ramos-Horta also discussed common security, economic cooperation, labour mobility and skills, the green economy and Australia’s support for Timor-Leste’s ASEAN membership bid.