Australia-PNG Defence Deal Allows Papua New Guineans in ADF

Port Moresby, 2025 – Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) are set to sign a landmark defence agreement this week, opening the door for Papua New Guineans to serve in the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The deal is also seen as part of Australia’s efforts to counter China’s growing influence in the Pacific region.

The agreement will be formally signed by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape on Wednesday in Port Moresby. The timing of the announcement coincides with celebrations marking 50 years of Papua New Guinea’s independence from Australia.

A Historic Step in Defence Cooperation

Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles described the agreement as “historic” and said it would allow Papua New Guineans to directly join the Australian military. Since last year, the ADF has welcomed foreign nationals from countries like New Zealand, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

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“We said we would have an eye to the Pacific, and this agreement with PNG contemplates that,” Marles told the national broadcaster.

While there is more work to be done to implement the agreement fully, Australia is keen to create opportunities for Papua New Guineans to serve in the ADF. This could include pathways to citizenship and equal pay, just like other members of the Australian military.

Strengthening Regional Security

The defence deal follows a broader security agreement signed between Australia and PNG in 2023. Both countries have emphasized that the agreement will strengthen regional security and improve cooperation between their armed forces.

Papua New Guinea’s Defence Minister, Billy Joseph, highlighted the strategic importance of the deal. “A secure Papua New Guinea is a secure Australia, and a secure Australia is a secure Papua New Guinea,” he said, stressing that the agreement would benefit both nations.

Australian Prime Minister Albanese said the deal would “upgrade the relationship and increase interoperability, engagement, and the overall security relationship” between the two countries. He also addressed concerns that the agreement could affect PNG’s sovereignty, assuring that Australia respects the sovereignty of all nations it partners with.

Papua New Guineans in the Australian Military

The defence deal is expected to allow Papua New Guineans to serve in the ADF under the same conditions as other members. This includes equal pay and benefits, as well as access to a pathway for Australian citizenship.

The initiative is not only symbolic but practical, as PNG is located less than 200 kilometres (124 miles) from Australia’s northernmost border. Its strategic location makes it an important partner for Australia in ensuring regional stability and security.

Context: China’s Influence in the Pacific

In recent years, China has invested billions of dollars in Pacific nations, funding infrastructure projects such as hospitals, sports stadiums, roads, and other public works. This approach has increased China’s influence in the region, with some countries, including the Solomon Islands, Kiribati, and Nauru, severing diplomatic ties with Taiwan in favour of Beijing.

Australia has been increasing its engagement with Pacific nations to counter China’s growing presence. For instance, Prime Minister Albanese visited Vanuatu last week to discuss a potential security deal aimed at strengthening Australia’s ties with the nation. However, the deal with Vanuatu was not signed due to concerns about restrictions on access to funding for critical infrastructure projects from other nations.

Significance of the Defence Deal

Experts say that the defence agreement between Australia and Papua New Guinea is significant for multiple reasons:

1. Regional Security: It strengthens the security relationship between Australia and PNG, ensuring that both nations can respond effectively to regional threats.

2. Military Cooperation: It allows for greater military cooperation, including joint training exercises, intelligence sharing, and strategic planning.

3. Opportunities for PNG Citizens: Papua New Guineans gain the chance to serve in one of the region’s most advanced military forces, with potential benefits including career growth and citizenship opportunities.

4. Countering External Influence: The agreement is seen as part of Australia’s strategy to maintain stability and limit the influence of external powers, particularly China, in the Pacific.

Historical and Strategic Context

Papua New Guinea and Australia share a long history, dating back to PNG’s independence in 1975. Over the years, Australia has been a key partner in areas such as development aid, trade, and security. This new defence agreement is considered a major step in deepening ties, particularly in light of the changing geopolitical landscape in the Pacific.

The proximity of Papua New Guinea to northern Australia makes the country strategically important. A secure PNG helps protect Australian borders, trade routes, and regional stability. By allowing PNG citizens to serve in the ADF, both countries aim to create a closer bond and ensure coordinated responses to potential challenges.

Path Forward

While the agreement is historic, both countries acknowledge that implementing it will take time. Recruitment processes, training, and legal frameworks will need to be aligned to allow Papua New Guineans to join the Australian military fully. However, officials from both countries are optimistic that the deal will be a success and a model for future cooperation in the Pacific region.

The defence pact also sends a clear message to the region: Australia is committed to supporting its Pacific neighbours and ensuring that regional security remains a priority.

The upcoming defence deal between Australia and Papua New Guinea marks a historic moment in the relationship between the two nations. It not only opens doors for Papua New Guineans to serve in the Australian Defence Force but also strengthens regional security, military cooperation, and bilateral ties. At a time when China’s influence is growing in the Pacific, this agreement reflects Australia’s ongoing commitment to its neighbours and to maintaining stability in the region.

Both countries will now move forward to implement the agreement fully, ensuring that the partnership benefits the citizens of both nations while promoting peace and security across the Pacific.