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Australia will secure entry to PNG's military facilities and personnel under a freshly signed agreement that will result in both nations provide mutual defense 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.

The security treaty will allow as many as 10,000 Papua New Guineans to enlist in the Australian Defence Force. They will also have the choice to obtain Australian citizenship.

Pact Provisions

Dubbed the Pukpuk Pact (signifying "crocodile" in PNG pidgin), the bilateral agreement is the most recent in a succession of treaties forged by regional states and nations competing for a defence footprint in the area.

This agreement has the ability to bite and, similar to the crocodile, its impact speaks of the joint capability and preparedness of the military for hostilities.

Hostile action on either country would be “a risk to mutual safety” so both should “address the collective risk”.

Deeper Partnership

The deal also encompassed enhanced cooperation around cyberspace and electromagnetic warfare.

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

• To begin with, to restrict outside power in Papua New Guinea by ensuring it does not have the comparable reach to infrastructure.
• Furthermore, to resolve Australia's recent struggles building defence numbers.
• Finally, the pact also demonstrates a stance to other global powers.

The benefits of the treaty were comprising several aspects, per analysis from a Pacific affairs specialist.

“PNG has an oversupply of able-bodied citizens who are willing to do this kind of work,” they said, noting that numerous individuals would be drawn to the opportunities of moving to Australia and perhaps securing permanent status.

Regional Implications

This agreement represents an element in a so-called centralized security framework of military treaties in the Pacific – with the nation at the centre and island nations being the allies.

There are concerns that the agreement may compromise PNG's inclusive and neutral foreign policy position by aligning the country with Australia on every defence issue.

Each party need greater clarity on the foreseen results, obligations and assurances.

The pact also included annual joint military exercises which were about “demonstrating capability,” 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 agreement would help update the defence force, bringing a significant boost in both resources and morale.