🔗 Share this article

Australia will gain access to PNG's defence infrastructure and troops under a recently concluded agreement that will see the two countries support one another if one faces aggression.

“We have told them that Australia is our security partner of choice and they understand our alliances here... Other aspects of our relations have never been compromised,” stated the nation's head of state.

This agreement will enable up to 10,000 Papua New Guineans to enlist in the Australian Defence Force. They will also have the choice to obtain Australian citizenship.

Agreement Specifics

Referred to as the Crocodile Agreement (meaning "the crocodile" in PNG pidgin), the bilateral agreement is the latest in a series of agreements forged by regional states and countries seeking a military influence in the Pacific zone.

The pact can deliver a strong response and, similar to the crocodile, its bite force speaks of the interoperability and readiness of the defence units for conflict.

An armed attack on either country would be “dangerous to the other's peace and security” so each must “act to meet the common danger”.

Enhanced Collaboration

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

Previously, the defence official from Papua New Guinea indicated that the treaty would mean that defence personnel from each country would be “totally integrated”.

• First, to restrict foreign presence in the nation by guaranteeing it does not have the same level of access to resources.
• Additionally, to address Australia's recent difficulties enlisting new personnel.
• Lastly, the agreement also demonstrates a stance to other global powers.

The benefits of the agreement were comprising several aspects, according to a defence analyst.

“There is a surplus of fit and willing individuals in PNG ready for such roles,” the expert noted, stating that a significant number would be attracted by the opportunities of residing in the country and perhaps obtaining citizenship.

Pacific Consequences

The deal is a component of a so-called centralized security framework of military treaties in the Pacific – with Australia at the centre and island nations being the partners.

Questions have emerged that the agreement undermines the nation's inclusive and neutral diplomatic stance by aligning PNG with its partner on every defence issue.

Both sides need enhanced definition on the foreseen results, duties and assurances.

The pact also included regular collaborative training 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”.

This treaty would help modernise the defence force, bringing a major uplift in both resources and morale.