🔗 Share this article Australia Signs Major Defence Agreement with PNG Australia will gain access to the Papua New Guinean defence infrastructure and troops under a freshly signed agreement that will result in the two countries support one another if an armed conflict occurs. “Our primary security collaboration is with Australia, a stance that is acknowledged... No other diplomatic ties have been affected,” affirmed the Papua New Guinea leader. This agreement will enable a maximum of 10,000 PNG citizens to serve in the Australian Defence Force. They will also have the option to obtain Australian citizenship. Treaty Details Known as the Crocodile Agreement (meaning "the crocodile" in local dialect), the bilateral agreement is the newest in a succession of treaties concluded among Pacific nations and nations vying for a military influence in the region. The treaty has the ability to bite and, in the manner of this predator, its impact highlights the cooperation and preparation of the armed forces for war. A military assault on either country would be “dangerous to the other's peace and security” so the two are to “respond to the shared threat”. Enhanced Collaboration The deal also covered expanded partnership around cyberspace and electromagnetic warfare. In prior statements, the defence official from Papua New Guinea indicated that the treaty would mean that Australian and PNG forces would be “fully combined”. To begin with, to restrict outside power in the nation by guaranteeing it does not have the same level of access to infrastructure. Additionally, to address the nation's recent challenges building defence numbers. Lastly, the pact also communicates a point to other global powers. The advantages of the treaty were comprising several aspects, as stated by a defence analyst. “PNG has an oversupply of able-bodied citizens who are willing to do this kind of work,” the expert noted, adding that numerous individuals would be interested in the opportunities of moving to Australia and perhaps securing permanent status. Pacific Consequences The deal forms part of a so-called centralized security framework of defence pacts in the region – with Australia at the core and Pacific states being the spokes. There are concerns that the treaty undermines PNG's inclusive and neutral diplomatic stance by aligning the country with its partner on all security matters. Each party need greater clarity on the anticipated outcomes, responsibilities and pledges. The pact also included regular collaborative training which were about “communicating intent,” 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”. This treaty would help enhance the nation's military, bringing a major uplift in both resources and morale.