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Australia will secure entry to PNG's military facilities and troops under a recently concluded deal that will see both nations come to each other's defence if either is under attack.

“Australia remains our preferred security ally, and this is understood... Our broader relationships remain intact,” said the Papua New Guinea leader.

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

Pact Provisions

Referred to as the Pukpuk Treaty (which translates to "the crocodile" in PNG pidgin), the two-nation deal is the latest in a line of deals forged by Pacific nations and powers competing for a defence footprint in the region.

The pact has the ability to bite and, in the manner of this predator, its strength speaks of the joint capability and preparation of the defence units for war.

A military assault on any signatory would be “dangerous to the other's peace and security” so the two are to “act to meet the common danger”.

Deeper Partnership

This agreement also covered greater collaboration around digital domains and electronic combat.

Previously, the national security leader said that the agreement would mean that defence personnel from each country would be “totally integrated”.

• First, to curb outside power in Papua New Guinea by guaranteeing it does not have the equivalent entry to infrastructure.
• Furthermore, to resolve the nation's recent difficulties recruiting for its military.
• In conclusion, the agreement also communicates a point to other global powers.

The positive outcomes of the deal were three-pronged, according to a Pacific affairs specialist.

“There is a surplus of fit and willing individuals in PNG ready for such roles,” they said, adding that many people would be interested in the prospects of moving to Australia and perhaps securing permanent status.

Pacific Consequences

The deal forms part of a so-called hub and spokes network of defence pacts in the Pacific – with the nation at the heart and island nations being the spokes.

Some have raised issues that the treaty could weaken PNG's non-aligned foreign policy position by linking the country with its partner on every defence issue.

Both sides need enhanced definition on the expectations, obligations and commitments.

The pact also included regular collaborative training 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”.

The pact would help update PNG's army, bringing a major uplift in both equipment and esprit de corps.