Overview
- Anthony Albanese said in Port Moresby that a treaty elevating ties to a formal defence pact is expected to be signed on Wednesday, coinciding with PNG’s 50th anniversary events.
- PNG nationals will be able to serve in the Australian Defence Force with equal pay and a pathway to Australian citizenship, officials have confirmed.
- PNG’s defence minister has described the deal as a mutual defence treaty with plans for closely integrated forces, and reporting points to a consultation clause similar to NATO’s Article 4.
- A submission was expected to go to PNG’s cabinet on Monday, with parliamentary ratification required before the agreement can take effect.
- Canberra frames the move as a major strategic step in the Pacific, with reports of significant Australian investment in PNG defence capabilities and assurances that recruitment will be managed to avoid weakening the PNGDF.