Australia and Papua New Guinea have elevated their relationship to an Alliance with the signing of the Papua New Guinea – Australia Mutual Defence Treaty. The Alliance will be Australia’s first in more than 70 years, and Papua New Guinea’s first with any country.
Signed in Canberra by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea James Marape, the Treaty reflects a shared commitment to peace and stability in the Pacific. It will enter into force upon completion of both countries’ domestic treaty-making processes.
The Treaty contains mutual defence obligations. Both countries recognise an armed attack on either would be a danger to the peace and security of both, and declare they would act together to meet the common danger. The Treaty explicitly refers to both Australia’s and Papua New Guinea’s respect for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. It provides for the expansion and modernisation of Australia’s and Papua New Guinea’s defence relationship, including potential future recruitment of each countries’ citizens into respective forces.
Consultations will commence on a recruitment pathway to enable Papua New Guinea citizens to join the Australian Defence Force. As the first step, from 1 January 2026, eligible permanent residents living in Australia who are also Papua New Guinea citizens will be able to apply to join the Australian Defence Force.
The signing follows a Joint Communiqué released by both leaders at Papua New Guinea’s Golden Jubilee celebrations in Port Moresby last month, which set out the core principles of the Treaty.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said: “Building on more than 50 years of cooperation and respect, the signing of the Papua New Guinea – Australia Mutual Defence Treaty is a shared historic moment for our two nations. The Treaty reflects the deep trust between Australia and Papua New Guinea across the breadth of our bilateral relationship. Papua New Guinea proposed this Treaty, and we were honoured to agree. Our Alliance is built on generations of mutual trust, and demonstrates our commitment to ensuring the Pacific remains peaceful, stable and prosperous. By continuing to build our security relationships in the region, we safeguard our own security.”
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