As part of the Finocchiaro CLP Government's year of action, certainty and security, the Northern Territory and Timor-Leste Governments have signed a Plan of Action on Healthcare Cooperation under the 2023-2027 Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA).
The Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) recognises and reinforces the strong relationship between the Northern Territory and Timor-Leste and provides a framework for bilateral cooperation between our two governments.
The Plan of Action was signed in Darwin today by the Northern Territory Minister for Health, Steve Edgington and the Minister for Health of Timor-Leste Elia A.A. dos Reis Amaral in Darwin.
Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Relations, Robyn Cahill said the agreement strengthened health cooperation between our two regions in relation to skills exchange, training programs, clinical placements and project collaborations.
"This agreement reflects the Northern Territory's commitment to strengthening regional partnerships through practical and sustained cooperation. Building stronger relationships with our Asian neighbours is part of the CLP Government's focus with bringing back the Asian Relations portfolio.
"This is a win-win approach to regional engagement, with both governments investing in long-term partnerships to strengthen health systems, build workforce capability, and improve service delivery across borders," said Ms Cahill.
Minister for Health, Steve Edgington said it was an important milestone that will pave the way for professional exchanges between Territorian and Timorese practitioners in areas of public health and clinical service delivery.
"This Plan of Action builds on the Northern Territory's longstanding friendship with Timor-Leste and reinforces our shared goal of strengthening health systems in the region."
"Through collaboration and exchange, both jurisdictions will benefit from the enhanced capability, cultural insights, and clinical expertise of our respective health workforces."
Minister for Health for Timor-Leste, Elia A.A. dos Reis Amara said, "This Plan of Action is a concrete step forward in strengthening the historical bonds between our people. It reflects our joint aspiration to improve access to high-quality health services, promote medical exchange and training, and ensure that critically ill Timorese patients can receive the specialized care they need in a timely and coordinated manner."
The Plan of Action outlines a range of joint initiatives designed to promote long-term workforce development including:
public sector internships and exchanges joint training initiatives and professional development exercises targeted training in areas such as medicine, haematology and critical care postgraduate clinical rotations
The signing marks a new chapter in the NT-Timor-Leste partnership-driven by shared priorities and a belief that collaboration builds stronger, smarter healthcare systems.
Minister Cahill will lead a government delegation to Timor-Leste next week and continue to progress mutually beneficial outcomes under the SPA
