ABSTRACT
This paper concerns the history of Australia's International support for the self determination and independence of east timor, a former portuguese ecolony that was invaded by indonesia under presidence suharto in december 1975 and unilaterally annexed in july 1976. The australian support mobilized many people and lasted until august 1999, when the popular consultation was held in east timor following the decision to make it happen by indonesian president habibie, who had replaced suharto to the previous year.