Minister for National Emergency, Hon. Dr Billy Joseph, has condemned the circulation of old photographs on fake social media accounts, describing them as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public into believing he continues to represent Papua New Guinea at international Defence engagements.
Dr Joseph clarified that the photographs being circulated were taken during the South Pacific Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Auckland, New Zealand, in 2024, when he was serving as Minister for Defence and attending the meeting as part of Papua New Guinea’s official delegation.
He said the images are now being taken out of context to falsely suggest that he continues to undertake Defence-related duties.
Dr Joseph stated that since stepping aside from the Defence portfolio, he has not visited Murray Barracks or participated in any official Defence activities.
Addressing the ongoing Defence recruitment inquiry, Dr Joseph maintained his innocence, saying he had committed no wrongdoing. He alleged that the soldiers responsible for producing the controversial recruitment videos were politically linked to his political adversaries, and that recruitment remains a PNGDF Commands Administrative matter and that he is bared from making any command decisions as Minister by S202(4) of the Constitution.
He said he has fully cooperated with the independent inquiry led by the Chief Secretary and an Australian Defence Force Brigadier General Justin Rooche by providing written responses to all questions raised.
Dr Joseph said he also submitted several recommendations to strengthen the Defence recruitment process, including the complete removal of the recruitment unit at Murray Barracks and allowing the office of the Deputy commander of PNGDF to have direst oversight over recruitment outsourced to the ADF or nominated recruitment firm to manage all future recruitment to improve transparency, accountability and public confidence. This is to ensure any perceived weaknesses in the recruitment process including interference by local politics and nor perceived internal defence biases in recruitment.
Direct recruitment from Grade 12s that maintains regional balance top priority in future recruitment. It has been established that PNGDF loses about 250 soldiers annually from the force for various reasons; thus the urgent need for recruitment in PNGDF.
He said he respects the independence of the inquiry and audit process and will await the official outcome.
While awaiting the findings, Dr Joseph said he continues to diligently perform his responsibilities as Minister for National Emergency, focusing on disaster preparedness, response and recovery across the country.
Dr Joseph also expressed concern that many of the reforms and initiatives commenced during his tenure as Defence Minister have slowed, saying important Defence projects should continue as Papua New Guinea prepares for the 2027 National General Election.
Among the achievements he highlighted was the landmark Pukpuk Treaty, which he described as Papua New Guinea’s first major bilateral defence treaty in more than 50 years and only Australia’s second such defence alliance in 71 years.
According to Dr Joseph, the treaty was first proposed during his inaugural official meeting with Australian Defence Minister . He said the agreement establishes the legal framework for Papua New Guinean citizens to join the Australian Defence Force, strengthens strategic deterrence against regional and domestic security threats, enhances security cooperation between the two countries, and supports the rebuilding of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force’s capabilities.
Dr Joseph said the treaty is expected to come into force next week when Prime Minister and Australian Prime Minister formally sign and ratify the agreement in Canberra.
He added that the decision on whether he returns to the Defence portfolio rests solely with Prime Minister Marape and said he would respect whatever decision is made in the best interests of Papua New Guinea.
Dr Joseph concluded by urging the public to disregard misinformation spread through fake social media accounts and rely on official sources for accurate and verified information.