🔗 Share this article

Australia will secure entry to Papua New Guinea's military facilities and soldiers under a recently concluded deal that will result in both nations come to each other's defence 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 the Papua New Guinea leader.

This agreement will allow up to 10,000 nationals of Papua New Guinea to serve in the Australian Defence Force. They will also have the option to gain permanent residency in Australia.

Pact Provisions

Dubbed the Pukpuk Treaty (meaning "this reptile" in Papua New Guinean pidgin), the two-nation deal is the newest in a line of deals forged by countries in the Pacific and countries competing for a defence footprint in the region.

The pact has the ability to bite and, in the manner of this predator, its impact demonstrates the joint capability and readiness of the military for conflict.

An armed attack on one of the nations would be “dangerous to the other's peace and security” so the two are to “respond to the shared threat”.

Enhanced Collaboration

The pact also encompassed expanded partnership around digital domains and electromagnetic warfare.

In prior statements, the PNG Defence Minister indicated that the deal would mean that defence personnel from each country would be “fully combined”.

• First, to limit foreign presence in PNG by ensuring it does not have the equivalent entry to infrastructure.
• Second, to tackle the nation's recent challenges building defence numbers.
• Lastly, the agreement also communicates a point to foreign governments.

The positive outcomes of the deal were three-pronged, according to a defence analyst.

“PNG has an oversupply of able-bodied citizens who are willing to do this kind of work,” they said, stating that a significant number would be drawn to the opportunities of moving to Australia and potentially securing permanent status.

Pacific Consequences

The treaty forms part of a so-called hub and spokes network of defence pacts in the area – with Australia at the centre and island nations being the spokes.

Some have raised issues that the pact could weaken PNG's non-aligned foreign policy position by linking the country with Australia on all security matters.

The two nations need greater clarity on the anticipated outcomes, obligations and pledges.

The deal also included annual joint military exercises which were about “demonstrating capability,” to “demonstrate combined operational readiness and rapid response to regional dangers”.

The pact would help enhance PNG's army, bringing a significant boost in both resources and esprit de corps.