Canberra broadens Timor-Leste medal, funds 268 Bushmasters, as Wong plans Northeast Asia trip on energy security

Australia moved on several foreign and defence fronts this week, widening eligibility for a Timor-Leste service medal, unveiling a $750 million order for new Bushmaster vehicles, and preparing high-level meetings in Tokyo, Beijing and Seoul as energy security pressures persist.

On 24 April, the Government said it had accepted an offer from the President of Timor-Leste to expand eligibility for the Timor-Leste Solidarity Medal to Australian Defence Force personnel, veterans and Australian Federal Police officers who served at least 30 days on mandated missions in Timor-Leste since 1999.

Eligibility has also been extended to those withdrawn due to injury or medical reasons, as well as personnel involved in relevant defence and policing cooperation programs. The medal, a foreign award recognising contributions to peace and stability operations, will now be available to a broader group of Australians, reflecting the scale of Australia’s involvement in Timor-Leste, where more than 20,000 Australians have served.

The Government said the expansion underscores the countries’ enduring bilateral relationship and shared history. On 27 April, Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced she would travel to Japan, China and the Republic of Korea to strengthen regional relationships and coordinate on energy security amid ongoing disruptions to global energy markets caused by the conflict in the Middle East and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

She said in-person engagement would support coordination with key partners as Indo-Pacific economies face disproportionate impacts. During the visit, the Minister will meet counterparts in Tokyo, Beijing and Seoul, including participation in the eighth Australia–China Foreign and Strategic Dialogue.

Discussions are expected to focus on energy and fuel security, supply chain resilience and broader strategic issues. “Australia will continue working with international partners to help secure the supplies we need – including diesel, petrol and fertiliser – and ensure Australia is prioritised as a reliable energy partner,” Wong said in a media release.

Also on 27 April, the Government announced a $750 million investment to deliver 268 new Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles for the Australian Defence Force, to be manufactured by Thales Australia in Bendigo, Victoria. The project is expected to support around 300 local jobs over seven years and forms part of broader efforts to enhance the ADF’s protected mobility and force projection capabilities.

The Government said the investment strengthens Australia’s sovereign defence industry, alongside additional funding for upgrades to Hawkei vehicles and other mobility systems under the 2026 Integrated Investment Program. The initiative also includes export arrangements, with Bushmasters to be sold to the Netherlands and replaced for the ADF.

“The Australian-built Bushmaster and Hawkei are recognised as world-leading protected mobility vehicles. Through this investment, the Albanese Government is sustaining Australian jobs, strengthening our national defence industry and delivering a capability that protects the lives of Australian Defence Force personnel,” said Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles.

On 28 April, the Prime Minister announced that Japan’s Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, will visit Australia from 3 to 5 May for her first official visit since taking office. The visit coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Australia and Japan, which underpins the two countries’ longstanding partnership.