Australia Signs Major Defence Deal with the Papua New Guinean government

Australia will secure entry to Papua New Guinea's military facilities and troops under a freshly signed agreement that will result in both nations support one another if one faces aggression.

The security treaty will permit as many as 10,000 nationals of Papua New Guinea to enlist in Australia's military. They will also have the option to obtain Australian citizenship.

Pact Provisions

Dubbed the Crocodile Agreement (meaning "crocodile" in local dialect), the mutual pact is the most recent in a succession of treaties concluded among Pacific nations and nations seeking a security presence in the region.

The treaty can deliver a strong response and, in the manner of this predator, its bite force demonstrates the interoperability and preparedness of the defence units for hostilities.

A military assault on any signatory would be “a risk to mutual safety” so the two are to “act to meet the common danger”.

Expanded Cooperation

The pact also included enhanced cooperation around cyberspace and electromagnetic warfare.

Previously, the defence official from Papua New Guinea noted that the deal would mean that defence personnel from each country would be “completely unified”.

• First, to limit outside power in Papua New Guinea by making certain it does not have the same level of access to resources.
• Second, to tackle the nation's recent struggles building defence numbers.
• In conclusion, the agreement also communicates a point to other global powers.

The positive outcomes of the treaty were comprising several aspects, per analysis from a regional security expert.

“There is a surplus of fit and willing individuals in PNG ready for such roles,” it was explained, stating that numerous individuals would be interested in the prospects of residing in the country and possibly getting Australian citizenship.

Regional Implications

This agreement forms part of a described as centralized security framework of military treaties in the region – with the nation at the heart and island nations being the partners.

There are concerns that the agreement may compromise the nation's inclusive and neutral international approach by associating the country with Australia on every defence issue.

The two nations need greater clarity on the expectations, obligations and assurances.

The pact also included regular collaborative training which were about “communicating intent,” to “highlight joint defence capacity and swift mobilization against outside risks”.

The agreement would help modernise PNG's army, bringing a major uplift in both resources and esprit de corps.