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The Australian nation will obtain rights to PNG's armed forces bases and personnel under a freshly signed deal that will ensure both nations come to each other's defence if either is under attack.

“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,” affirmed PNG's Prime Minister.

This agreement will permit up to 10,000 Papua New Guineans to enlist in Australia's military. They will also have the opportunity to gain permanent residency in Australia.

Pact Provisions

Known as the Pukpuk Pact (which translates to "crocodile" in local dialect), the mutual pact is the most recent in a succession of treaties struck between Pacific nations and countries vying for a military influence in the region.

The treaty can deliver a strong response and, in the manner of this predator, its impact speaks of the joint capability and preparation of the defence units for hostilities.

Hostile action on either country would be “dangerous to the other's peace and security” so the two are to “act to meet the common danger”.

Expanded Cooperation

This agreement also included enhanced cooperation around cyberspace and electronic combat.

Earlier, the national security leader said that the agreement would mean that Australian and PNG forces would be “completely unified”.

• Initially, to limit foreign presence in the nation by making certain it does not have the comparable reach to resources.
• Furthermore, to resolve the nation's recent struggles enlisting new personnel.
• Lastly, the agreement also sends a message to other global powers.

The advantages of the deal were comprising several aspects, per analysis from a defence analyst.

“Papua New Guinea possesses numerous capable nationals eager for these opportunities,” it was explained, adding that many people would be attracted by the prospects of living in Australia and potentially securing permanent status.

Pacific Consequences

The deal is a component of a so-called hub and spokes network of security agreements in the region – with Australia at the heart and island nations being the spokes.

Questions have emerged that the pact could weaken the nation's ‘friends to all, enemies to none’ foreign policy position by aligning the country with Australia on each safety concern.

Both sides need greater clarity on the anticipated outcomes, duties and assurances.

The pact also included annual joint military exercises 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 pact would help modernise PNG's army, bringing a notable improvement in both equipment and confidence.