Prime Minister Hon. James Marape says the landmark Papua New Guinea–Australia Defence Treaty marks a historic step in strengthening Papua New Guinea’s national security while fully preserving the nation’s sovereignty and the independence of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF).
Prime Minister Marape said Papua New Guinea was the nation that initiated discussions leading to the treaty, recognising the country’s unique strategic location at the crossroads of the Pacific and the growing need to strengthen its defence capabilities in an increasingly complex security environment.
“Papua New Guinea sits at the centre of our region, between east and west, north and south. As our economy grows and our strategic importance increases, it is in our national interest to build a stronger, more capable and modern Defence Force,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“While we enjoy security partnerships with many nations, this Government made a deliberate decision that our deepest defence partnership should first be with Australia. This reflects our geography, our shared maritime and airspace boundaries, our long history, and the close movement of people, businesses and investments between our two countries.”
The Prime Minister said the treaty represents the first formal defence treaty Papua New Guinea has entered into with any nation since Independence.
“It is fitting that our first defence treaty is with Australia—a country with which we share history, geography and enduring people-to-people ties.”
Prime Minister Marape also noted the significance of the agreement for Australia.
“This is Australia’s first defence treaty of this nature with another nation in more than 70 years. It reflects the extraordinary level of trust and confidence that now exists between our two countries.”
The Prime Minister stressed that the agreement does not compromise Papua New Guinea’s sovereignty or the independence of its Defence Force.
“Our Defence Force remains completely independent. PNGDF personnel will continue to serve under the command of the Commander of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force and under Papua New Guinea’s Constitution and laws.“Likewise, Australian Defence Force personnel remain under the command of Australia. This treaty is about interoperability—not integration.
“It allows our forces to train together, operate together where appropriate, share skills, build professional capacity, jointly utilise assets and facilities where agreed, and enhance readiness while fully respecting the sovereignty and constitutional authority of each nation.”
Prime Minister Marape said the treaty provides Papua New Guinea with unprecedented opportunities to modernise its Defence Force and lift its capability to a new level.
“This agreement creates a structured pathway for PNGDF to benefit from Australia’s advanced defence systems, training, logistics, technology and operational experience.
“It gives Papua New Guinea the opportunity to rapidly build the capability of our Defence Force in ways that would otherwise take decades.”
The Prime Minister said the treaty comes into effect immediately following its signing, allowing practical implementation to commence without delay.
“The first phase of work begins now.
“We already have more than 100 Papua New Guineans recruited into the Australian Defence Force under existing arrangements, and that programme will continue to expand, creating valuable skills and experience that ultimately benefit Papua New Guinea.”
Prime Minister Marape also announced that the Government would accelerate reforms within PNGDF recruitment and employment.
“We have ordered a full report into the issues surrounding the most recent PNGDF recruitment exercise. That report is expected within the next two weeks.
“Following that, we will commence a new recruitment programme. We are even considering engaging the professional recruitment agency that undertakes recruitment for the Australian Defence Force to assist with PNGDF recruitment to ensure the highest standards of transparency, professionalism and merit.”
The Prime Minister said the Government would also review the employment conditions of PNGDF personnel.
“We want our Defence Force to be among the best respected institutions in Papua New Guinea.
“We will review salaries, conditions of service, welfare, training and career pathways with the aim of progressively bringing our Defence Force closer to the professional standards enjoyed by our Australian counterparts.
“Our soldiers, sailors and air personnel deserve modern equipment, quality training, decent living conditions and clear opportunities for professional advancement.”
Prime Minister Marape said the Defence Treaty reflects the broader elevation of Papua New Guinea–Australia relations under the Equal Partnership framework. “This treaty is not about dependency. It is about partnership between two sovereign nations working together for peace, security and prosperity.
“It strengthens Papua New Guinea’s ability to protect our borders, secure our maritime domain, respond to natural disasters, combat transnational crime and safeguard our national interests.
“As our country approaches its next 50 years, we are investing in institutions that will protect our people, our sovereignty and our future. A stronger PNG Defence Force means a stronger Papua New Guinea.”