The recent election of Xanana Gusmaou as its first President and the Declaration of Independence on 20 May are major steps along the path to democratic government for East Timor, the world’s newest nation. With the devastation and turmoil in the lead up to the vote for independence in 1999, many Local Governments in Australia have been assisting East Timor’s recovery.
Councils are providing equipment and staff exchanges to assist in the rebuilding of towns and villages. They have also rallied community support in the form of cash donations and equipment.A number of Councils have established formal Friendship Relations with Districts throughout East Timor, cementing lifelong associations and providing vital aid material for these communities.
In addition, the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA) and the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) recently sent a delegation of nine Local Government observers to witness the historic election of Xanana Gusmaou on 14 April. The delegation, which was registered with the United Nations Independent Electoral Commission in East Timor, was led by VLGA Vice President, Councillor Bernie Millane.
"The welcome from the East Timorese people was fantastic," Councillor Millane said.
The delegation included Councillors Millane (Whitehorse), Gary Jungwirth (Hume), Amanda Leeper (Knox), Barbara Abley and Linda Ristevski (Greater Geelong), and Council Officers Richard Brown, Kevin Breen (Darebin) and Noel Buck (Mornington Peninsula) plus community representative, Dirk Stobbe (Greater Geelong).
After arriving in Dili, the delegation was deployed to five different polling centres in East Timor.
"We met some fabulous UN people from various countries, including Finland, Portugal, Uganda, Japan and Sri Lanka,’’ Councillor Millane said. "The energy and support that these multinational groups have given is extremely positive. It is a very supportive international community.
"The election process was perfectly run. There was no interference from anybody. It was orderly and well managed and run primarily by the East Timorese people. They were very excited about this next step in the journey to their democratic independence on May 20."
The VLGA/MAV delegation also met with Ministers of the Interim Government, religious and community leaders to discuss further involvement of Victorian Local Governments in the rebuilding process.
Councillor Millane said poverty, unemployment and the devastation of resources were overwhelming in East Timor. Around 80 per cent of people living in Dili are unemployed with even higher numbers in other districts.
"I caution people against believing that everything is done just because the election is over," he said. "Big challenges lie ahead for the East Timorese people once the UN begins its withdrawal on May 20. The next six months will be crucial for the new nation."
Councils involved in the VLGA’s Friendship Cities Program include the following.
Aileu – Hume and Moreland
Baucau – Darebin
Lospalos – Mornington Peninsula
Viqueque – Greater Geelong
Same – Boroondara.
Brisbane and Oe-cusse
For the past five years, Brisbane City Council has been supporting the reconstruction and ongoing development of East Timor, with a particular emphasis on Oe-cusse.
Oe-cusse is an enclave located within the Indonesian area of West Timor. The original capital when East Timor was under Portuguese control, Oe-cusse’s population of around 47,000 is the most isolated, poorest and deprived in East Timor. Over 95 per cent of its buildings were gutted and burnt by the retreating militia.
To date, Brisbane has provided assistance to East Timor including advice and support to the temporary government, on the ground expertise in mosquito control, and supply of computer equipment, while seed funding for a range of sustainable water supply projects is ongoing.
Providing a clean and reliable water source was identified as one of the most powerful means of improving the quality of life of the East Timorese people in terms of health, hygiene and nutrition.
Through the International Relations Unit of the Lord Mayor’s Office, Brisbane signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the district of Oe-cusse. This process began in September 2000 when the ‘Oe-cusse Freedom Tais’ was presented to the Lord Mayor, Councillor Jim Soorley.
"The ‘Oe-cusse Freedom Tais’ is a sacred and lasting symbol of the freedom the people of East Timor achieved through their 24 year struggle for self determination," the Lord Mayor said. "As the Tais (cloth) came from Oe-cusse, it is a symbol of the strengthening link between Brisbane and Oe-cusse District."
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed in November 2001 by Senior Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Government of East Timor, Dr Jose Ramos-Horta, on behalf of the People of Oe-cusse and Deputy Mayor, Councillor Tim Quinn, on behalf of the people of Brisbane.
Funding of approximately $13,000 has recently been provided for an inbound delegation of four officials from the Oe-Cusse District Administration who visited Brisbane in April to further progress items set out in the MOU. Staff exchanges and developing private sector business opportunities between Brisbane and Oe-cusse are also planned for the future.
