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01/04/2009
ACT Chief Minister’s Message - Connect East Timor Celebration Dinner, Brisbane, 30 October 2007
Greetings to the members, friends and supporters of Connect East Timor. I am sorry that prior commitments have prevented me from attending your celebration dinner tonight.
I would firstly like to pass on my sincere thanks to the Connect East Timor volunteers who, last month, successfully completed the pilot installation phase of the Dili Radio Communications Project. One of the world’s newest democracies, East Timor, as we know, is in desperate need of more sophisticated telecommunication links. Basic infrastructure requirements continue to be a top priority for the country’s leadership.
For this reason, I am delighted that Palms Australia, through its Connect East Timor campaign, was able to undertake this work on behalf of the ACT Government.
The dedication shown by the volunteer team in ensuring that the installation proceeded smoothly, despite a number of significant obstacles, is highly commendable. I was particularly impressed by the commitment, resilience and ingenuity of the team in coordinating a last-minute change of plans to enable the repeater unit to be installed on Atauro Island. This exhausting work, in such a physically demanding location, is greatly appreciated and I congratulate and thank you for your collective achievement.
The Dili Radio Communications Project was one of several inspired ideas that emerged in 2004 when the City of Canberra signed a Friendship Agreement with the City of Dili. Over the last three years the ACT Government has been involved in projects such as the provision of equipment and assistance to the Dili Institute of Technology, backup power generation to maintain the water supply at one of Dili’s main bores and the provision of temporary accommodation for the East Timor Embassy in Canberra.
But it was at a meeting I had with Kirsty Sword Gusmao that she told me of a wonderful project called Connect East Timor. The opportunity was there for the ACT Government to collaborate in the delivery of crucial radio communication facilities. After extensive communication and negotiation, I was extremely pleased when Connect East Timor agreed to embark on the project. Possibility has now become concrete reality.
On behalf of the ACT Government, I would like to give very special thanks to Peter de Haas for his enthusiasm for this project and his unquenchable spirit of generosity. Peter’s expertise, guidance and dedication were key elements in the successful outcome obtained.
I wish you all the best for a thoroughly well-earned and enjoyable celebration this evening, and for continued success in your work in East Timor.
Jon Stanhope MLA
Chief Minister
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