Two Australian soldiers who were seriously hurt in a cliff fall in East Timor early today have been brought back to Australia.
The two were part of a patrol conducting routine operations about 60km south-west of Dili, the nation's capital, when both fell causing head, facial, back and shoulder injuries.
They were treated by fellow soldiers before being transported by helicopter to the Aspen Medical Centre in Dili.
Defence Force spokesperson Brian Dawson said the soldiers were later today flown to an undisclosed location in Australia for specialist treatment.
"We have moved these soldiers back to Australia to ensure they continue to receive the best medical care available," Brigadier Dawson said in a statement.
"While both men have serious injuries, they are in good spirits."
The soldiers' families have been notified and the incident will be subject to a defence force investigation.
The names of the soldiers and the circumstances of the fall have not been made public.