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The Australian nation will gain access to Papua New Guinea's defence infrastructure and troops under a new deal that will result in each government 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,” stated PNG's Prime Minister.

The pact will permit a maximum of 10,000 Papua New Guineans to enlist in the Australian Defence Force. They will also have the opportunity to become Australian citizens.

Agreement Specifics

Referred to as the Crocodile Agreement (meaning "this reptile" in Papua New Guinean pidgin), the two-nation deal is the latest in a line of deals concluded among countries in the Pacific and countries competing for a defence footprint in the area.

The treaty can deliver a strong response and, similar to the crocodile, its impact highlights the cooperation and readiness of the military for war.

Hostile action on any signatory would be “dangerous to the other's peace and security” so both should “act to meet the common danger”.

Enhanced Collaboration

The deal also encompassed enhanced cooperation around online security and electromagnetic warfare.

Earlier, the PNG Defence Minister indicated that the deal would mean that defence personnel from each country would be “fully combined”.

• First, to limit external influence in the nation by guaranteeing it does not have the same level of access to infrastructure.
• Second, to address Australia's recent struggles recruiting for its military.
• Finally, the deal also communicates a point to other global powers.

The benefits of the deal were three-pronged, according to a regional security expert.

“There is a surplus of fit and willing individuals in PNG ready for such roles,” they said, noting that a significant number would be attracted by the prospects of residing in the country and possibly securing permanent status.

Area Impact

The deal forms part of a described as core-and-periphery system of security agreements in the Pacific – with the nation at the centre and island nations being the partners.

Questions have emerged that the pact may compromise PNG's non-aligned international approach by associating PNG with its partner on each safety concern.

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

This agreement also included yearly combined drills which were about “strategic messaging,” 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 agreement would help modernise PNG's army, bringing a significant boost in both equipment and confidence.