A recruitment pathway for Papua New Guineans into the Australia Defence Force will commence with the establishment of a recruitment taskforce.
This is following the signing of the Pukpuk Treaty, between Australia and Papua New Guinea government as the two countries commence working together for the recruitment pathway.
As an essential part of the Pukpuk treaty, both countries will establish a bilateral Australia-PNG recruitment taskforce to oversee the development of that pathway.
The recruitment taskforce will be led by Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister Marles and PNG’s Defence Minister Billy Joseph. It will be made up of officials from both countries with the first meeting to occur before the end of 2025.
Marles expressed that this is a historic step they are taking.
“Developing a recruitment pathway for Papua New Guineans into the Australian Defence Force is a historic step – reflecting our shared history and commitment to enhance integration between our two countries,” Marles said.
“I look forward to working with my good friend and counterpart, Minister Joseph, to develop a taskforce that will see this come to fruition.
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.
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 January 1, 2026.
