Papua New Guinea and Australia have formalised a landmark security partnership with the signing of the Papua New Guinea–Australia Security Treaty, signalling a new phase in bilateral cooperation and regional engagement in the Pacific. Known as the Pukpuk Treaty, the agreement was signed in Canberra by Prime Minister James Marape and his Australian counterpart, reflecting decades of strategic, economic, and cultural ties between the two nations.
The Treaty goes beyond traditional defence arrangements. While it establishes a Mutual Defence Understanding—allowing either party to respond if attacked, subject to parliamentary approval under each nation’s constitution—it also encompasses policing, border security, intelligence, clean energy, infrastructure, education, and employment pathways. The breadth of the agreement demonstrates PNG’s desire to leverage strategic partnerships for broader national development, while simultaneously reinforcing sovereignty and regional influence.
For Papua New Guinea, the Treaty represents an opportunity to secure long-term safety and prosperity. The agreement encourages investment in renewable energy projects aligned with PNG’s energy transition goals and supports infrastructure developments that bolster national resilience. It also opens new pathways for PNG citizens, including scholarships, technical training, and structured opportunities to serve in the Australian Defence Force, with eligibility for dual citizenship in some cases.
Prime Minister Marape described the Treaty as a reflection of the “deep friendship and mutual trust our two nations share,” adding that it charts a path for collaboration in peace, prosperity, and mutual respect over the next fifty years.
Under the Treaty, both the PNG Defence Force (PNGDF) and the Australian Defence Force (ADF) remain sovereign entities, retaining independent command while fostering interoperability for joint operations. Provisions for intelligence and border cooperation aim to enhance PNG’s maritime and land security, strengthening its role as a trusted partner in Pacific security.
The Treaty also respects constitutional processes. In PNG, the Head of State, on advice from the National Executive Council, retains the authority to declare war, while Parliament maintains oversight and can revoke declarations. Deployment of PNGDF forces overseas requires parliamentary approval except in immediate self-defence, ensuring civilian oversight remains intact. Ratification of the Treaty in Parliament is required before implementation, and specific legislation will be necessary to make the agreement enforceable under domestic law.
Strategically, the Treaty positions PNG as a regional leader in security and development, balancing defence cooperation with opportunities for economic growth, education, and energy transition. It also strengthens the broader Australia–Pacific partnership at a time of increasing geopolitical attention in Oceania.
The Pukpuk Treaty demonstrates PNG’s approach to pragmatic, forward-looking diplomacy: leveraging partnerships to protect sovereignty, enhance regional influence, and create tangible benefits for citizens. For Australia, it provides a framework to maintain security and stability in the Pacific while supporting development goals in one of its closest neighbours.
In the coming months, both countries will focus on ratification and implementation, setting the stage for joint initiatives across defence, education, infrastructure, and clean energy. Analysts suggest the Treaty could serve as a model for future Pacific partnerships, combining strategic security with sustainable development objectives.