Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Australia will now start working on a recruitment pathway to allow Papua New Guineans join the Australian military as the recently signed “Pukpuk Treaty” is about to go through parliament for ratification.
This was announced by the Minister for Defence Dr. Billy Joseph in a press statement on Friday 10th October, where he stated that both countries will establish a recruitment task force that will be led by himself and the Australian Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Miles.
The recruitment taskforce will also comprise of officials from both countries with the first meeting to occur before the end of 2025.
Among its key focus points, the taskforce will establish a methodical and considered process to identify eligible Papua New Guinean citizens to join the ADF. The taskforce will also focus on providing opportunities to PNG’s youth, while maintaining the integrity of ADF recruitment standards and continuing to help support growth of the PNGDF as an independent sovereign force.
PNG and Australia will work in partnership to develop a sustainable pathway for PNG citizens to enlist in the ADF. This initiative will take time to develop and refine; however, both PNG and Australia are committed to its success.
This builds on the announcement that eligible permanent residents living in Australia who are also Papua New Guinea citizens can apply to join the ADF from 1 January 2026.
Minister Joseph said developing a recruitment pathway from Papua New Guinea into the Australian Defence Force is a historic step, reflecting the shared history and commitment to
enhance integration between the two countries.
“Since beginning this process in January, we have now seen a transformation in our defence relationship through the signing of the Pukpuk Treaty, which is reflected in what we are doing in terms of recruitment, our joint exercises and our operations and I am looking forward to working with my good friend and counterpart, Minister Marles, to develop a taskforce that will see this recruitment and integration come to fruition,” Dr. Billy said.
