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Australia will gain access to the Papua New Guinean military facilities and troops under a recently concluded deal that will see the two countries come to each other's defence if an armed conflict occurs.

“Our primary security collaboration is with Australia, a stance that is acknowledged... No other diplomatic ties have been affected,” affirmed the Papua New Guinea leader.

This agreement will enable a maximum of 10,000 Papua New Guineans to enlist in the Australian Defence Force. They will also have the choice to obtain Australian citizenship.

Treaty Details

Referred to as the Pukpuk Pact (meaning "the crocodile" in PNG pidgin), the mutual pact is the newest in a succession of treaties struck between regional states and nations competing for a security presence in the area.

The treaty possesses significant force and, similar to the crocodile, its strength speaks of the joint capability and readiness of the defence units for conflict.

Hostile action on any signatory would be “a threat to the partner's stability” so each must “act to meet the common danger”.

Enhanced Collaboration

The deal also encompassed enhanced cooperation around online security and electronic combat.

In prior statements, the PNG Defence Minister noted that the agreement would mean that the military units of both nations would be “completely unified”.

• First, to limit outside power in Papua New Guinea by guaranteeing it does not have the same level of access to resources.
• Additionally, to resolve Australia's recent difficulties recruiting for its military.
• In conclusion, the pact also demonstrates a stance to foreign governments.

The advantages of the agreement were three-pronged, per analysis from a regional security expert.

“PNG has an oversupply of able-bodied citizens who are willing to do this kind of work,” it was explained, stating that numerous individuals would be attracted by the prospects of residing in the country and potentially obtaining citizenship.

Pacific Consequences

The treaty represents an element in a termed centralized security framework of security agreements in the Pacific – with the nation at the heart and regional countries being the partners.

There are concerns that the pact could weaken the nation's inclusive and neutral foreign policy position by aligning PNG with Australia on all security matters.

Each party need more precise understanding on the anticipated outcomes, obligations and commitments.

This agreement also included annual joint military exercises which were about “strategic messaging,” to “highlight joint defence capacity and swift mobilization against outside risks”.

The agreement would help modernise the nation's military, bringing a major uplift in both equipment and esprit de corps.