In November 2008, the Australian Government formally accepted an offer from the then-President of Timor-Leste for Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel to accept and wear the Timor-Leste Solidarity Medal (TLSM).
 
The medal was established to recognise those men and women who provided service in stability and peace operations in Timor-Leste from 1 May 2006. Approximately 7,000 ADF members have been awarded the medal and have been approved by the Governor-General to wear the medal.
 
Defence will review the service records of members who served 30 days or more in Timor-Leste, and provide approval for those eligible to wear the medal.
ADF personnel should check their personnel records (PMKeyS) to confirm they have been approved to wear the medal. Following approval for the TLSM, eligible ADF personnel will be required to purchase the award from a reputable medal dealer.
 
After 30 June 2026, ADF personnel who believe they are eligible, and have not been approved to wear the medal, should submit an application form to the Directorate of Honours and Awards. Within the online application select Foreign Awards; ADF as the application type; and list the award name Timor-Leste Solidarity Medal (TLSM) in the comments field under the 4-Service Details tab.