CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS

Mr GOSLING (Solomon) (09:45): I rise to mark 24 years of the restoration of the independence of Timor-Leste, which was achieved on 20 May. I was fortunate to join the Deputy Prime Minister in Dili, Timor-Leste a few weeks ago to celebrate with new and old friends alike. Back home in Darwin, the Portuguese and Timorese Social Club had a great celebration.

I want to congratulate President Pedro Bernardino and Vice-President Germano Bernardino and the whole community, who came together to celebrate the 24th anniversary of that restoration. The evening was filled with traditional Timorese and Portuguese food, music, dancing and plenty of good conversations. My own ties and my family's ties to Timor-Leste run deep, having worked there, having served there in the military and having volunteered there for many years.

I'm proud to see the vibrant country that Timor-Leste has become, and I'm proud to be part of a federal Labor government that truly values our partners, like Timor-Leste, and our regional relationships. To all the ADF and AFP personnel and other federal government members who took part in the development of Timor and to the countless Australians who played a part in the story of the development of Timor-Leste during that time: your contribution to Timor-Leste is very much appreciated.

As a token of Timor-Leste's gratitude for those ADF and AFP members, President Jose Ramos-Horta has expanded eligibility for the Timor-Leste Solidarity Medal. We have been proud, as a government, to approve the wearing of that medal by those who are newly eligible. Viva Timor-Leste!

This week I was honoured to welcome the Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands, the Hon. Matthew Wale CBE, and his wife, Veronica, along with many members of his cabinet, off the plane at RAAF Fairbairn here in Canberra. I'm a big fan of all things Solomon.

Our relationship with the Solomon Islands is an important one for Australia, and that relationship is growing. It was great to see the Prime Minister and his team here this week. Both our nations' prime ministers have committed to elevate the bilateral relationship, which is one based on mutual trust, respect and open dialogue, and we look forward to the comprehensive treaty to realise a shared vision for our partnership with the Solomon Islands.

We are growing and strengthening our relationships in the Pacific, and we're very proud to be doing so, because it is important. Our Pacific family and our friends in Timor-Leste and ASEAN are so important.