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Australia will obtain rights to the Papua New Guinean defence infrastructure and troops under a new pact that will result in the two countries provide mutual defense 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.

The security treaty will allow a maximum of 10,000 Papua New Guineans to serve in the nation's armed forces. They will also have the option to become Australian citizens.

Agreement Specifics

Dubbed the Crocodile Agreement (which translates to "crocodile" in local dialect), the bilateral agreement is the newest in a line of deals struck between Pacific nations and powers competing for a military influence in the Pacific zone.

The pact possesses significant force and, similar to the crocodile, its impact speaks of the cooperation and preparation of the armed forces for hostilities.

Hostile action on either country would be “dangerous to the other's peace and security” so the two are to “address the collective risk”.

Expanded Cooperation

The deal also included greater collaboration around online security and electromagnetic warfare.

Previously, the national security leader indicated that the deal would mean that defence personnel from each country would be “totally integrated”.

• Initially, to restrict external influence in Papua New Guinea by ensuring it does not have the same level of access to infrastructure.
• Furthermore, to resolve Australia's recent difficulties enlisting new personnel.
• In conclusion, the deal also sends a message to other global powers.

The benefits of the agreement were three-pronged, per analysis from a Pacific affairs specialist.

“PNG has an oversupply of able-bodied citizens who are willing to do this kind of work,” it was explained, noting that numerous individuals would be interested in the possibilities of residing in the country and potentially obtaining citizenship.

Area Impact

This agreement represents an element in a described as hub and spokes network of defence pacts in the area – with the nation at the centre and island nations being the allies.

Some have raised issues that the treaty may compromise the nation's ‘friends to all, enemies to none’ foreign policy position by associating PNG with Australia on each safety concern.

The two nations need more precise understanding on the anticipated outcomes, obligations and pledges.

The deal also included yearly combined drills 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 update the nation's military, bringing a notable improvement in both equipment and morale.