🔗 Share this article

Australia will obtain rights to Papua New Guinea's defence infrastructure and troops under a recently concluded deal that will ensure the two countries provide mutual defense if an armed conflict occurs.

“Australia remains our preferred security ally, and this is understood... Our broader relationships remain intact,” said PNG's Prime Minister.

The pact will allow up to 10,000 PNG citizens to serve in Australia's military. They will also have the choice to become Australian citizens.

Pact Provisions

Known as the Pukpuk Pact (signifying "the crocodile" in Papua New Guinean pidgin), the bilateral agreement is the latest in a series of agreements concluded among regional states and countries vying for a security presence in the region.

This agreement possesses significant force and, like a crocodile, its impact speaks of the interoperability and preparedness of the military for war.

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

Enhanced Collaboration

This agreement also included greater collaboration around online security and spectrum operations.

Previously, the PNG Defence Minister noted that the deal would mean that Australian and PNG forces would be “totally integrated”.

• To begin with, to limit foreign presence in Papua New Guinea by ensuring it does not have the comparable reach to resources.
• Additionally, to address the nation's recent difficulties recruiting for its military.
• In conclusion, the pact also communicates a point to international actors.

The benefits of the agreement were three-pronged, as stated by a defence analyst.

“PNG has an oversupply of able-bodied citizens who are willing to do this kind of work,” the expert noted, stating that many people would be interested in the opportunities of moving to Australia and perhaps securing permanent status.

Regional Implications

The treaty represents an element in a described as centralized security framework of military treaties in the region – with the nation at the core and regional countries being the allies.

Some have raised issues that the treaty may compromise the nation's inclusive and neutral foreign policy position by aligning the country with its partner on every defence issue.

The two nations need enhanced definition on the foreseen results, responsibilities and assurances.

The deal also included annual joint military exercises which were about “communicating intent,” to “show the interoperability of the forces and their ability to face an external threat in the region and how quickly they can organise themselves and deploy”.

This treaty would help update the nation's military, bringing a significant boost in both equipment and confidence.