Australia, Papua New Guinea to Sign Defense Pact Allowing PNG Troops in ADF

Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) are set to sign a new defense agreement that could allow Papua New Guinean citizens to serve directly in the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The deal will be signed by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and PNG Prime Minister James Marape during celebrations marking 50 years of PNG’s independence.
Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles described the pact as “historic,” noting it builds on the 2023 bilateral security agreement. He confirmed that the ADF, already open to recruits from allied nations such as New Zealand, Canada, the UK, and the US, is now preparing to include Papua New Guineans. The arrangement would offer equal pay and benefits, along with a potential pathway to Australian citizenship.
Albanese emphasized that the agreement enhances interoperability and regional security while respecting PNG’s sovereignty. PNG Defence Minister Billy Joseph also voiced support, saying the pact strengthens the mutual security of both nations.
The agreement comes amid growing Chinese influence in the Pacific, where Beijing has invested heavily in infrastructure and swayed several nations to switch diplomatic ties away from Taiwan. Australia, in response, has increased defense and diplomatic outreach to Pacific states to bolster regional partnerships.