Papua New Guinea and Australia will sign a new defence treaty on PNG’s Independence Day, updating a decades‑old agreement and marking a fresh chapter in the two countries’ security partnership, Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles said.
Marles said negotiations on the updated agreement began in January and that its signing will be announced in the lead‑up to Independence Day. He described the treaty as an update to the Status of Forces Agreement dating back to 1977 and called it “a very, very significant agreement” for both countries. PNG Defence Minister Dr Billy Joseph confirmed technical work on the treaty is on track, saying most of the work has been handled by a technical team and that progress has been “very well” made.
Dr Joseph described the planned signing as a milestone in bilateral ties, noting the relationship’s progress over PNG’s first 50 years of independence and looking ahead to the next 50. “On the 50th anniversary we will be signing our PNGDF and ADF Defence Treaty,” he said.
Separately, Australia handed over 12 armoured personnel carriers to the Papua New Guinea Defence Force at a ceremony at Murray Barracks in Port Moresby. Marles attended the handover and said the vehicles—constructed specifically for the PNGDF—will significantly strengthen PNG’s defence capabilities. He described the project as “a commitment of $3 billion (US$1.95 billion) to see these 12 vehicles constructed specifically for the PNGDF,” and said the delivery reflects the closest level of cooperation between the Australian Defence Force and the PNGDF to date.
Both ministers highlighted growing operational links between the two militaries. Marles pointed to expanded joint training, including PNG’s participation in Exercise Talisman Sabre held on PNG soil for the first time, while Dr Joseph said the vehicles will improve the Defence Force’s capacity to operate in volatile areas and thanked Australia for the support.
Context and implications
– The treaty is framed as an update to an existing status‑of‑forces arrangement and appears designed to deepen operational cooperation and interoperability between the Australian Defence Force and the PNG Defence Force.
– Observers and analysts have linked moves to formalise and expand defence ties in the Pacific to broader regional strategic dynamics, including concerns about growing influence from other external powers.
– Legal and political processes in PNG are likely to shape how a formal treaty proceeds: analysts note PNG’s constitution and parliamentary review requirements mean international treaties typically require careful domestic consideration before entry into force.
Summary
Australia and PNG will sign an updated defence treaty on PNG’s Independence Day, replacing or modernising a 1977 Status of Forces Agreement. Technical work is reported as progressing. The move coincides with Australia’s handover of 12 armoured personnel carriers to the PNGDF and deeper joint training, signaling closer defence cooperation as PNG marks its 50th anniversary.
Additional comments and suggested follow‑ups for publication
– Watch for the treaty text and timing of its formal ratification; the details will determine scope (access, basing, training, personnel exchanges, legal protections).
– Note whether the treaty includes provisions allowing PNG nationals to serve in the Australian Defence Force or vice versa; previous discussions in the region have mentioned such possibilities.
– Track parliamentary debate in PNG and any legislative steps required for ratification.
– Coverage ideas: a Q&A explainer on what a Status of Forces Agreement update means in practice; a piece on how the new vehicles will be used by the PNGDF (roles, training, maintenance plans); and a regional analysis on how deeper Australia–PNG defence ties fit into Indo‑Pacific security trends.
– Suggested headline options: “Australia and PNG to Sign Updated Defence Treaty on Independence Day” or “Milestone Defence Treaty and Armoured Vehicles Boost PNG–Australia Security Partnership.”
– Suggested tags/categories for WordPress: Australia, Papua New Guinea, Defence, Pacific Affairs, Military Cooperation, International Relations.
Hopeful angle
The treaty and equipment handover are presented by both governments as investments in PNG’s defence capability and in a long‑term partnership. If implemented transparently and coupled with capacity building, the measures could strengthen PNG’s ability to manage security challenges, support disaster response, and deepen practical cooperation that benefits both countries and regional stability.
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