🔗 Share this article

The Australian nation will gain access to PNG's defence infrastructure and personnel under a freshly signed agreement that will see each government come to each other's defence if an armed conflict occurs.

“Our primary security collaboration is with Australia, a stance that is acknowledged... No other diplomatic ties have been affected,” affirmed the Papua New Guinea leader.

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

Treaty Details

Referred to as the Crocodile Agreement (which translates to "this reptile" in Papua New Guinean pidgin), the bilateral agreement is the most recent in a line of deals struck between regional states and powers vying for a military influence in the area.

This agreement can deliver a strong response and, like a crocodile, its impact speaks of the joint capability and preparation of the armed forces for conflict.

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

Enhanced Collaboration

The pact also covered greater collaboration around online security and electronic combat.

Previously, the national security leader said that the agreement would mean that Australian and PNG forces would be “totally integrated”.

• First, to curb external influence in the nation by guaranteeing it does not have the comparable reach to resources.
• Furthermore, to address the nation's recent struggles building defence numbers.
• Lastly, the pact also sends a message to international actors.

The positive outcomes of the agreement were multi-faceted, as stated by a regional security expert.

“PNG has an oversupply of able-bodied citizens who are willing to do this kind of work,” the expert noted, noting that many people would be interested in the opportunities of living in Australia and perhaps securing permanent status.

Regional Implications

The deal forms part of a described as hub and spokes network of defence pacts in the Pacific – with Australia at the centre and Pacific states being the spokes.

Questions have emerged that the agreement undermines PNG's inclusive and neutral international approach by aligning PNG with Australia on all security matters.

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

The pact also included annual joint military exercises 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 enhance the nation's military, bringing a significant boost in both material and confidence.