Comments

Pukpuk indeed. Was the choice of name deliberately prescient? And Michael Main has spotted the bull elephant in the room.

This Pukpuk Treaty is being decided by those persons favorable towards Australia. Despite our best efforts in negotiating this Treaty The "Yes Master" mentality of the colonial era doesn’t seem to leave us yet. What we fail to see as intellectuals is that if this Treaty goes through, it will just be another Boomerang that is swung to us and will float back to the thrower. Everything we anticipate to benefit from will be just 10% PNG and 90% Australia. It will not only bind the military but also the economy making PNG vulnerable to Australia's whims and controls. PNG economy is gaining slowly and our leaders need to be careful. Where is the look North Policy, Friends to all and Enemies to None to name a few policies. Australia is going to put us at a disadvantage by locking us in and eventually use this Treaty as a tool to prevent other countries like China and its friends to trade with us rendering PNG Economy to Australias control. Why does PNG not start thinking on its own and try doing something smart?

If you understand PNG Tok PISIN, PukPuk means crocodile; interestingly, the Treaty was called that.

This is a terrific article Michael. If Australia wants such close integration with PNGDF then surely its first priority must be to concentrate on PNG's internal security requirements. If Australia wants a reliable security partner in our region then it must be based on the social stability and prosperity of the PNG state and its people. To our peril we consistently overlook just how serious this situation has become.

Thanks Professor well explained. The depreciation of PNG Currency has affected ordinary Papua New Guineas. It needs to be improved.

I think the idea for the treaty here is for the benefits of the Australians. Seeing Chinese involvement in PNG economic development, Australia and its partners, New Zealand and the US, are concerned that PNG might sign a defence deal with China (which, they already raised concerns about China trying to influence small island nations in the Pacific). Treaty is the only way forward for Australia to stop PNG to sign a defence treaty with China because the PNG NRL leverage was not working for Australia so the defence deal is strategic enough.

Thanks all, I will find time to respond to some of the points raised. It’s good to see senior public servants, ambassadors and defence leaders raise similar points, in particular Ambassador Kalinoe, former PNG defence force commanders Peter Ilau and Jerry Singirok. See links below: Amb Kalinoe: https://www.postcourier.com.pg/kalinoe-pukpuk-defence-treaty-needs-clear-alignment-with-foreign-policy/ Retired PNGDF commanders Jerry Singirok and Peter Ilau: https://www.abc.net.au/pacific/programs/pacificbeat/png-defence-treaty-with-australia-could-breach-constitution/105787138

Hi Alyssa, Just read this nice piece today when looking for the Connect PNG Implementation and Funding Arrangement Act 2021. Just one question I was wondering, ie, would the Australian and PNG Government Transport Sector Support Program influence the Connect PNG Program in any way, apart from the AIFFP? Cheers.

This treaty was formulated by Australians. They want PNG to agree to their terms while not considering ours. The underlying agenda of that Treaty is "war". A possibility coming to our doorsteps. The treaty is saying "in the event that there is a war with either Australia or PNG" we will go to war to help each other. The big question here is PNG does not have enemies, so whose enemy are we fighting? This will put our citizens at risk. The biggest war we should be fighting in PNG is Corruption. If we can control corruption we are able to manage ourselves way better than Bukina Faso. God bless.

The Australia -PNG Security pact will have alot of Socio Economic benefits for PNG. This deal may be a challenge to the Sovereignity of PNG, however every PNG government since 1975 have failed to Build the PNGDF and create vast employment opportunities for the thousands of tertiary Graduates and school leavers. This Defence pact will be a golden opportunity for PNG youth to find employment abroad and gain exposure and quality experience serving in a world-class military abroad. And they will also have an opportunity to further pursue their desired education qualifications easily accessible abroad, with the benefit of gaining Australian citizenship while service in the ADF. PNG also needs to beef up its military and this is a great opportunity. There is high rate of armed tribal conflict, and a strong PNGDF with modern hardware will be able to support Police operations to disarm armed tribal groups in the highlands and effectively police the big land, sea and air borders.

The treaty is delayed, not signed yet, as PNG leaders review concerns. Likely to be debated in parliament soon. PNG is currently at a risky step to sign the treaty with Australia, which also challenges founding father, Michael Somare's neutral foreign policy being “friends to all, enemies to none” policy and keeping the military in very small size to guard our boarders. However, the dialogue prematurely triggered China now issuing early warning to PNG.

The Pukpuk Defence Treaty: Strategic Gains or Sovereignty at Stake? As Papua New Guinea marks 50 years of independence, the signing of the Pukpuk Defence Treaty with Australia signals a new chapter in bilateral relations. Named after the Tok Pisin word for crocodile, the treaty outlines five core principles that aim to deepen defence cooperation between the two nations. While the agreement promises modernization and strategic benefits, it also raises critical questions about sovereignty, foreign policy alignment, and long-term national interests. What PNG Stands to Gain The treaty offers several tangible benefits for Papua New Guinea: 1. Defence Force Modernization The ongoing partnership with Australia will enhance the capacity of the PNG Defence Force (PNGDF), particularly in areas such as cybersecurity and electromagnetic warfare—domains where PNG currently lacks infrastructure and expertise. This collaboration is expected to uplift operational standards and improve national security readiness. 2. Regional Security and Border Protection PNG faces persistent challenges from transnational threats, including human trafficking, illegal fishing, drug smuggling, and weapons trafficking. The alliance with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) strengthens PNG’s ability to monitor and secure its borders through joint operations, intelligence sharing, and surveillance support. 3. Career Opportunities for PNG Citizens A notable and exciting provision of the treaty allows qualified PNG citizens to join the ADF with equal pay and benefits. This opens up pathways to employment, skills development, and potentially Australian citizenship, offering improved living conditions and professional growth for many Papua New Guineans. The Ambiguity of Mutual Defence Despite these benefits, the treaty’s first core principle raises concerns due to its vague wording: “A mutual defence alliance which recognizes that an armed attack on Australia or PNG would be a danger to the peace and security of both countries.” Unlike traditional military alliances that clearly define obligations—such as NATO’s Article 5—the use of the word “recognizes” lacks clarity. Does this imply automatic military support in the event of an attack, or merely a diplomatic acknowledgment of shared concern? Without explicit commitments, PNG may not be guaranteed assistance during a crisis, leaving room for political discretion and strategic ambiguity. Sovereignty and Strategic Autonomy Retired PNGDF Commander Peter Ilau has voiced concerns about the level of integration between the two defence forces, questioning who truly holds ownership of the PNGDF. As PNG deepens its defence ties with Australia, there is a risk of dependency and external influence over national security decisions. This could erode PNG’s ability to act independently and shape its own defence posture. Foreign Policy Contradictions The fourth core principle of the treaty appears to conflict with PNG’s long-standing foreign policy of being “friends to all, enemies to none.” If interpreted restrictively, it may limit PNG’s ability to engage in military partnerships or exercises with countries other than Australia. This could undermine diplomatic flexibility and reduce opportunities for cooperation with key economic partners. Retired Commander Jerry Singirok warns that such realignment could jeopardize foreign investment, particularly from China and Japan, which have played significant roles in PNG’s economic development. Restricting military engagement with these nations may send unintended signals and risk destabilizing the very investments that sustain the country. A Call for Strategic Clarity While the Pukpuk Treaty offers promising avenues for defence and development, it must be approached with strategic foresight and transparent consultation. Treaties of this magnitude should involve robust public discourse, expert input, and parliamentary scrutiny to ensure they align with PNG’s long-term interests. As we reflect on our journey since independence, it is imperative that we make decisions that strengthen—not compromise—our sovereignty. Politics will always be politics, but sovereignty is everything.