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Australia will secure entry to Papua New Guinea's defence infrastructure and soldiers under a freshly signed agreement that will ensure each government 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,” stated the nation's head of state.

The pact will allow as many as 10,000 Papua New Guineans to serve in the nation's armed forces. They will also have the choice to gain permanent residency in Australia.

Pact Provisions

Known as the Pukpuk Pact (signifying "the crocodile" in Papua New Guinean pidgin), the two-nation deal is the latest in a succession of treaties struck between Pacific nations and nations seeking a defence footprint in the Pacific zone.

This agreement has the ability to bite and, like a crocodile, its strength speaks of the joint capability and preparedness of the defence units for conflict.

An armed attack on either country would be “a threat to the partner's stability” so each must “address the collective risk”.

Enhanced Collaboration

This agreement also covered enhanced cooperation around digital domains and electromagnetic warfare.

Earlier, the PNG Defence Minister said that the deal would mean that the military units of both nations would be “totally integrated”.

• Initially, to restrict outside power in Papua New Guinea by ensuring it does not have the same level of access to facilities.
• Second, to address the nation's recent challenges recruiting for its military.
• Finally, the deal also demonstrates a stance to foreign governments.

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,” they said, stating that numerous individuals would be interested in the prospects of residing in the country and perhaps obtaining citizenship.

Regional Implications

This agreement represents an element in a so-called core-and-periphery system of defence pacts in the area – with the nation at the heart and regional countries being the spokes.

There are concerns that the treaty could weaken PNG's inclusive and neutral diplomatic stance by associating the country with its partner on each safety concern.

The two nations need greater clarity on the foreseen results, duties and commitments.

The deal 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 PNG's army, bringing a notable improvement in both material and esprit de corps.