Audiences in Timor-Leste can now enjoy Australian content thanks to the Albanese Government's PacificAus TV, increasing access to reliable news, delivering high-quality content and fostering greater engagement across the region.
PacificAus TV provides broadcasters in the Pacific and Timor-Leste with free access to Australian content - from drama and children's programming to lifestyle, current affairs and sport.
Public broadcaster Radio e Televisão de Timor-Leste (RTTL) joins 17 free-to-air broadcasters across 11 Pacific countries already accessing Australian content through PacificAus TV.
PacificAus TV is a key initiative of the Albanese Government's Indo-Pacific Broadcasting Strategy, which helps to foster a vibrant and independent media sector, counter misinformation, present modern multicultural Australia, and support deeper people-to-people engagement across the region.
The first program being provided to Timor-Leste is the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026, featuring the Matildas.
Sports fans will also be able to view NRL matches in Samoa, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Kiribati, Nauru, Tuvalu, Tonga, Cook Islands, Niue and Timor-Leste in 2026.
Delivered by Free TV Australia, PacificAus TV receives $5.68 million per year under the Government's Indo-Pacific Broadcasting Strategy to expand access to Australian television programs.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong:
"The start of PacificAus TV in Timor-Leste is another step in strengthening our already close partnership.
"By expanding access to trusted news, sport and entertainment, we're building greater connections between communities and encouraging a deeper understanding of each other.
"Supporting local broadcasters with content, training and collaboration opportunities helps strengthen a vibrant, resilient and independent media sector in Timor-Leste and across the region."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, Anika Wells:
"The launch of PacificAus TV in Timor-Leste means fans can tune in to watch some of the world's best football talent in the AFC Women's Asian Cup.
"It's also fantastic to see live and free-to-air coverage of NRL matches now available through the initiative - providing greater access for Pacific communities who have made such a strong contribution to the game.
"The expansion of PacificAus TV to Timor-Leste means 18 free-to-air broadcasters across 12 nations now have access to quality Australian content at no cost - promoting greater understanding and connection across our region.
"We are pleased to see Free TV Australia continue to deliver this important initiative, bringing communities in our region together while fostering a diverse, resilient and trustworthy regional media landscape."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, Pat Conroy:
"Timor-Leste and Australia enjoy a strong partnership and close friendship, underpinned by deep historical and cultural links. The expansion of PacificAus TV into Timor-Leste will only deepen familiarity and ties between our two nations.
"By giving people in Timor-Leste as well as Pacific Islands access to elite competitions such as the AFC Women's Asian Cup and NRL, we are strengthening people-to-people links through sports. The more we understand and relate to each other, the more safe, stable and prosperous our region will be."
