By GINNAH MINI
RECRUITMENT of young Papua New Guineans into the Australian Defence Force is expected to take effect early 2027, following the official entry into force of the Pukpuk Treaty between Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Australia.
PNG and Australia held the Pukpuk Treaty dinner to mark the entry into force of the alliance, at Sheraton Port Moresby Stanley Hotel & Suites, which was attended by Minister for Foreign Affairs, Justin Tkatchenko, Australian High Commissioner to PNG Ewen McDonald and other significant dignitaries.
In his remarks, Minister Tkatchenko, said that the treaty has been a journey of securing Australia, PNG and the region together for long-term security and prosperity.
“From now on Australia’s security boundaries is Papua New Guinea’s and PNG is Australia’s security boundaries,” Minister Tkatchenko said.
Minister Tkatchenko said that with the implementation of the recruitment exercise, thousands of Papua New Guinea’s grade 12 leavers will go through proper processes and be part of the Australian Defence Force.
He added that PNG’s first traditional partner will always be Australia, followed by the United States, New Zealand and Indonesia.
“I look forward to seeing all our PNG men and women working together with our Australian counterparts in the Australian Defence Force and vice versa building up our PNG Defence Force and showing what we can do when we all work together as one,” Minister Tkatchenko said.
Australis’s High Commissioner, Mr. McDonald said that in the treaty, the two countries share responsibility for the peace and stability of the region.
“The heart of our treaty is a solemn mutual defence commitment,” Mr. McDonald said.
Mr. McDonald said that an attack on one of the countries, is in effect an attack on both countries.
“We commit to consult, to cooperate and we’re required to act together to meet the common danger,” he said while adding that the treaty safeguards sovereignty.
Mr. McDonald said that the celebration is a both a promise and responsibility-a promise that PNG and Australia will stand together.
“A responsibility to ensure that this treaty delivers practical benefits, stronger forces, safer communities, more resilient nations and a more secure Pacific,” Mr. McDonald said.
Mr. McDonald said that he was pleased that the recruitment of young Papua New Guineans into ADF will commence in early 2027.