Keeping the peace - Introducing Australia's contribution to peacekeeping cover
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Investigation 3

How has Australian contributed to international peacekeeping?

Introduction

This investigation explores Australia’s contribution to international peacekeeping since 1947, and the way in which this service is commemorated. Investigation 3 includes background information and three inquiry-based activities.

Background information

Australia has a strong record of contributing to international peace and security. In the seven decades since 1947, tens of thousands of Australian personnel have served in peacekeeping operations across the globe. Many but not all of these operations have been mandated by the United Nations (UN).

In 1947, the first Australian peacekeepers served as military observers to a UN operation in the Netherlands East Indies (present day Indonesia). Australian military personnel, through ongoing rotations, have served continuously in peace and security operations in the Middle East since 1956; and police officers had a continuous presence in Cyprus from 1964 to June 1917. During the 1990s Australia, in its role as a ‘good international citizen’, provided peacekeepers to many parts of the globe – from overseeing Cambodia’s first democratic election, to ensuring that victims of famine and violence in Somalia received food aid.

Statistics relating to the deployment of personnel demonstrate the role Australia has taken as a regional leader. Australia’s contribution to the region has included leading the multinational Peace Monitoring Group in Bougainville from 1998 to 2003, commanding the International Force for East Timor (INTERFET) from 1999 to 2000, and taking a leading role in the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) from 2003 to 2017.

With such a large number of personnel having been involved in often-dangerous peacekeeping operations over seventy years, it is inevitable that some Australian peacekeepers have suffered trauma, injury and death. In earlier decades, debate occurred about an appropriate way to commemorate their service. It is now recognised that although there are some aspects of peacekeeping that are unique, the operational experience of peacekeepers can have much in common with service in warlike contexts. A national memorial has been developed to commemorate the significant contribution made ‘in the service of peace’ by Australian military, police and civilian peacekeepers.

Activity 2.3

Bougainville Truce Monitoring Group/Peace Monitoring Group

Bougainville Truce Monitoring Group/Peace Monitoring Group

Complete this form for each operation.
Over what years did Australia participate in this operation?
What country/s did it involve?
What was the circumstance or crisis that created the need for peacekeepers?
Who authorised the operation? Was it part of a United Nations mission?
How large was the Australian force? What Australian personnel were involved, for example, Australian Defence Force, police, diplomats?
What roles did the Australian personnel perform, for example, medical assistance?
What tasks were undertaken during the operation? What did the operation achieve?