🔗 Share this article

Australia will gain access to the Papua New Guinean armed forces bases and personnel under a freshly signed agreement that will result in the two countries support one another if either is under attack.

“Our primary security collaboration is with Australia, a stance that is acknowledged... No other diplomatic ties have been affected,” said PNG's Prime Minister.

This agreement will permit a maximum of 10,000 nationals of Papua New Guinea to enlist in Australia's military. They will also have the choice to gain permanent residency in Australia.

Pact Provisions

Known as the Pukpuk Treaty (meaning "crocodile" in local dialect), the bilateral agreement is the newest in a series of agreements concluded among countries in the Pacific and nations competing for a security presence in the area.

This agreement has the ability to bite and, similar to the crocodile, its strength highlights the cooperation and preparedness of the defence units for war.

A military assault on any signatory would be “a risk to mutual safety” so each must “respond to the shared threat”.

Enhanced Collaboration

The pact also included enhanced cooperation around digital domains and spectrum operations.

Earlier, the national security leader indicated that the deal would mean that the military units of both nations would be “totally integrated”.

• Initially, to limit external influence in Papua New Guinea by making certain it does not have the same level of access to infrastructure.
• Second, to tackle the nation's recent struggles recruiting for its military.
• Lastly, the deal also sends a message to international actors.

The positive outcomes of the treaty were comprising several aspects, according to a defence analyst.

“PNG has an oversupply of able-bodied citizens who are willing to do this kind of work,” the expert noted, adding that numerous individuals would be interested in the possibilities of living in Australia and potentially obtaining citizenship.

Area Impact

The deal is a component of a described as centralized security framework of defence pacts in the area – with the nation at the heart and Pacific states being the partners.

There are concerns that the pact may compromise PNG's inclusive and neutral foreign policy position by linking the country with its partner on all security matters.

Both sides need greater clarity on the expectations, duties and commitments.

The pact also included yearly combined drills which were about “communicating intent,” to “demonstrate combined operational readiness and rapid response to regional dangers”.

The pact would help update the nation's military, bringing a major uplift in both material and confidence.