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The Australian nation will obtain rights to the Papua New Guinean armed forces bases and troops under a new agreement that will see both nations support one another if one faces aggression.

“Our primary security collaboration is with Australia, a stance that is acknowledged... No other diplomatic ties have been affected,” said PNG's Prime Minister.

The security treaty will allow as many as 10,000 Papua New Guineans to serve in Australia's military. They will also have the choice to gain permanent residency in Australia.

Pact Provisions

Referred to as the Pukpuk Pact (meaning "the crocodile" in PNG pidgin), the two-nation deal is the latest in a succession of treaties forged by regional states and countries competing for a military influence in the area.

The treaty can deliver a strong response and, like a crocodile, its strength highlights the interoperability and readiness of the armed forces for war.

A military assault on one of the nations would be “a risk to mutual safety” so both should “act to meet the common danger”.

Deeper Partnership

The pact also covered greater collaboration around digital domains and spectrum operations.

Previously, the national security leader noted that the deal would mean that defence personnel from each country would be “fully combined”.

• First, to limit outside power in PNG by guaranteeing it does not have the same level of access to facilities.
• Furthermore, to resolve the nation's recent struggles building defence numbers.
• Lastly, the deal also sends a message to foreign governments.

The positive outcomes of the deal were three-pronged, per analysis from a regional security expert.

“PNG has an oversupply of able-bodied citizens who are willing to do this kind of work,” it was explained, adding that many people would be drawn to the opportunities of residing in the country and perhaps obtaining citizenship.

Regional Implications

This agreement is a component of a so-called hub and spokes network of defence pacts in the area – with Australia at the heart and regional countries being the allies.

There are concerns that the pact undermines the nation's ‘friends to all, enemies to none’ international approach by linking PNG with its partner on all security matters.

Each party need more precise understanding on the anticipated outcomes, duties and assurances.

The pact also included regular collaborative training 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 modernise PNG's army, bringing a notable improvement in both resources and morale.