PAPUA New Guinea and Australia have begun work on establishing a pathway for qualified Papua New Guineans to join the Australian Defence Force (ADF), following discussions between Prime Minister James Marape and Australian High Commissioner Ewen McDonald.
Prime Minister Marape said PNG has completed its legal requirements, with both governments now working on recruitment arrangements under the PNG–Australia Mutual Defence Treaty, or Pukpuk Treaty, which came into force on July 8.
Recruitment will be competitive, with applicants required to meet the ADF’s education, medical, physical, character and security standards. Successful recruits will be enlisted into the ADF and will have a pathway to Australian permanent residency and citizenship under the new arrangements.
Marape said the initiative would provide employment, professional training and career opportunities in fields such as engineering, aviation, logistics, communications, health, information technology and maritime operations.
He stressed that the program would not come at the expense of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF), saying the government is equally committed to improving the PNGDF through better training, infrastructure, equipment, working conditions and operational capability.
Prime Minister Marape also warned Papua New Guineans not to pay individuals or organisations claiming they can secure ADF recruitment, saying all applications will be handled through official government and Australian Defence Force channels.
The government said further details, including eligibility requirements, application procedures and recruitment timelines, will be announced once implementation arrangements are finalised.