Good evening.
I’d like to thank the Government of Timor-Leste, the Timor-Leste Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and of course the Timorese people for hosting us this evening.
It’s a privilege to be here in Dili on my very first visit to the region since I was appointed to Australia’s National Cabinet in May.
The second Timor-Leste Australia Economic and Business Conference is about reaffirming and deepening our economic partnership.
Now tonight, I’m here wearing two hats.
The first is as Australia’s new Minister for International Development.
And in this capacity I am focused on ensuring our development cooperation delivers for Timor-Leste, including building a strong and diversified private sector.
As Prime Minister Gusmão has made very clear, Timor-Leste can only be economically resilient if there are sufficient private sector jobs for the country’s young people. That’s an objective that I want Australia to continue to get behind.
The second hat I’m wearing is as Australia’s Minister for Small Business.
Australian small businesses have a track record of venturing down the path less travelled, and several are attending TLAUCON to explore untapped opportunities right here in Timor-Leste.
I look forward to supporting these businesses to boost two-way trade and investment, for the long-term benefit of both our countries, both Australia and Timor-Leste.
Now I’m joined here tonight by two important Australian colleagues.
The first you heard from earlier this evening was Mr. Nicholas Moore, our special envoy for Southeast Asia, who spearheaded Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040.And he spoke to you about that earlier this evening.
And also Shane Walden, Australia’s new business champion for Timor-Leste, who will leverage his extensive experience and networks to strengthen links between Australian and Timorese businesses.
Australia and Timor-Leste are close neighbors - we’ve heard that many times this evening - but we’re also strong partners.
We share a rich history of not only economic and cultural ties but also people-to-people connections.
Australia has been at the forefront of international support for Timor-Leste since our involvement in the independence process.
And last year we celebrated 25 years of our development partnership. Australia is proud to be Timor-Leste’s largest development partner – contributing an estimated $123.3 million in our last financial year.
Now, as you are all aware I’m sure, the world is experiencing increasing geostrategic uncertainty.
Amid this uncertainty, I wanted to reassure you that Australia remains committed as a development partner, a friend, and a neighbor, to Timor-Leste. I don’t think that you can get much closer than that: a partner, a neighbor, a friend.
We are incredibly proud to be filling some very critical funding gaps.
We have already provided $5 million in emergency funding to keep key vaccination, nutrition and gender equality initiatives going, in response to needs and priorities - importantly, these priorities are identified by Timor-Leste.
We’ll increase our development cooperation support by more than $10 million this financial year – to grow workforce skills and employment pathways and support Timor-Leste’s vision for an economy that is diversified and inclusive.
We’re here with you every single step of the way. We walk beside you.
And just heard from our special envoy Nicholas Moore, Australia is also committed to accelerating our economic engagement with Southeast Asia.
We see the talent, the growth, the ambition and the opportunity in our neighborhood, and I know everybody here tonight sees it too.
In 2023, Australia and Timor-Leste’s two-way trade reached $242.9 million.
This is undoubtedly a strong foundation, but we all know we can do more.
And doing more isn’t just about doing more of the same – it’s about collaborating across a wider range of sectors, building new networks and working creatively.
Australia is proudly putting this into action through events like TLAUCON, and our work with the Timor-Leste Australia Business Council.
We also recognise that people, connectivity and infrastructure are essential ingredients for widespread economic development.
Which is why we’re supporting the redevelopment of Dili’s international airport – to better connect Timor-Leste to Southeast Asia and to the world, and showcase everything this beautiful and proud country has to offer.
It’s also why we’re supporting the Timor-Leste Australia labour mobility and skills partnership – you’ve heard a little bit about that today - equipping Timorese young people with vocational skills and enabling 10,000 workers to take up employment opportunities in Australia.
This is not only good for Timorese and Australian companies who benefit from a skilled workforce.
But as Timorese people return home with a wide range of skills and experiences, they will start their own businesses, share their skills with new employees and ultimately help build the economy.
Australia is also supporting the installation of the new high-speed internet cable to Timor-Leste.
Reliable digital infrastructure is vital for businesses, helping them reach new markets, adopt e-commerce solutions and collaborate with businesses right around the world.
For households, it also opens doors to education and financial services.
By investing in digital infrastructure, connectivity and skills, we are working together to lay the groundwork for inclusive growth and integration into regional and global markets.
As Australians look to the future, we know that partnerships with our neighbors is critical.
Timor-Leste’s upcoming accession to ASEAN will open access to larger markets, as well as ASEAN-specific funds, programs and initiatives.
That’s why Australia is proud to commit $11.8 million to facilitate Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN and the World Trade Organization.
Because our economic partnership isn’t just about trade figures or investment flows – it’s about building a shared future.
It’s about empowering entrepreneurs, strengthening communities, and fostering resilience in the face of global challenges.
And amidst these challenges, let’s not turn inward.
Australia won’t turn inward – we’re steadfast and reliable, as a partner who is standing with Timor-Leste.
We’re committed to deepening our bonds – not only with government programs but through our dynamic, ambitious and innovative private sectors.
I invite you all to seize the opportunities before us – carpe diem – especially over the next two days.
I encourage you to explore new ventures, forge lasting partnerships and contribute to shaping a shared future.
A future shared with Australia and Timor-Leste, hand in hand.
And I look forward to seeing all of us continue our work together to build a more connected, prosperous, and resilient region.
Thank you.