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The Australian nation will secure entry to Papua New Guinea's defence infrastructure and soldiers under a freshly signed agreement that will ensure the two countries provide mutual defense if an armed conflict occurs.

“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,” said the nation's head of state.

The security treaty will allow a maximum of 10,000 PNG citizens to enlist in Australia's military. They will also have the option to obtain Australian citizenship.

Treaty Details

Dubbed the Crocodile Agreement (meaning "the crocodile" in local dialect), the two-nation deal is the latest in a line of deals concluded among countries in the Pacific and nations vying for a security presence in the Pacific zone.

This agreement has the ability to bite and, in the manner of this predator, its impact speaks of the interoperability and preparedness of the defence units for war.

An armed attack on either country would be “dangerous to the other's peace and security” so each must “respond to the shared threat”.

Expanded Cooperation

This agreement also encompassed expanded partnership around cyberspace and electronic combat.

Previously, the defence official from Papua New Guinea indicated that the agreement would mean that defence personnel from each country would be “completely unified”.

• Initially, to curb outside power in Papua New Guinea by guaranteeing it does not have the equivalent entry to resources.
• Second, to tackle the nation's recent struggles building defence numbers.
• Finally, the deal also demonstrates a stance to international actors.

The positive outcomes of the deal were comprising several aspects, according to a Pacific affairs specialist.

“There is a surplus of fit and willing individuals in PNG ready for such roles,” the expert noted, adding that numerous individuals would be drawn to the opportunities of residing in the country and potentially getting Australian citizenship.

Regional Implications

The deal represents an element in a described as hub and spokes network of defence pacts in the area – with Australia at the core and regional countries being the partners.

There are concerns that the agreement may compromise PNG's inclusive and neutral international approach by linking the country with its partner on each safety concern.

Both sides need greater clarity on the foreseen results, obligations and assurances.

This agreement also included annual joint military exercises which were about “demonstrating capability,” to “demonstrate combined operational readiness and rapid response to regional dangers”.

This treaty would help update PNG's army, bringing a notable improvement in both equipment and esprit de corps.