Work has begun on setting up the process for Papua New Guineans to join the Australian Defence Force ( ADF ) under the Pukpuk Treaty.
PNG Prime Minister, James Marape said the Australian recruitment system will be used for the selection process and it will be based on Australian established standards and requirements.
A meeting held between Marape and Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Ewen McDonald in Port Moresby focused on the practical work required between the Papua New Guinea Defence Force, the Australian Defence Force and relevant Government Agencies to establish the Recruitment pathway.
“Those who are successful will be enlisted into the Australian Defence Force and will have a pathway to Permanent Residency and Australian Citizenship under the arrangements being developed,” said Marape.
The Pukpuk Treaty was signed between the Prime Ministers in Canberra on 6 October 2025, and legally binded on 7th July 2026. This means Papua New Guinea now has an alliance with Australia. Under the Pukpuk Treaty, Australian Defence Force will have access to Papua New Guinea Military bases.
Following the meeting between Commissioner McDonald, Marape said relevant Agencies from both countries will work on the detailed Recruitment arrangements, including eligibility, selection, training, immigration, permanent residency and citizenship processes.
“Our legal clearance has been completed on the Papua New Guinea side, and work is now progressing to enable qualified Papua New Guineans to be selected and enlisted into the Australian Defence Force,” Prime Minister Marape said.
Marape explained that the recruitment will not be automated, applicants will need to meet the required assessments and satisfy the standards of the Australian Defence Force before they will be recruited.
“Our responsibility as Government is to work with Australia to create the pathway and ensure that Papua New Guineans are properly informed, prepared and given a fair opportunity to compete for recruitment,” said Marape.
The Prime Minister said the Initiative was one of the important practical outcomes being advanced under the Papua New Guinea Australia Mutual Defence Treaty, commonly known as the Pukpuk Treaty.
“Papua New Guineans who are selected will be employed and enlisted into the Australian Defence Force, and those who meet the relevant requirements will be provided with a pathway to become Australian citizens,” said Marape.
