The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) has tabled a report recommending the ratification of the Papua New Guinea-Australia Mutual Defence Treaty (the Pukpuk Treaty).The Pukpuk Treaty strengthens Australia’s defence partnership with our close neighbour, Papua New Guinea by elevating the status of our defence relationship to a formal Alliance. Once ratified, the Pupuk Treaty will form Australia’s third Alliance, following on from the signing of the Security Treaty between Australia, New Zealand and the United States of America (ANZUS), over 70 years ago.

“The Pukpuk Treaty marks a significant achievement in Australia’s relationship with Papua New Guinea. This Treaty ties our two countries closer together and enables enhanced diplomatic and defence coordination and collaboration.” Committee Chair, Lisa Chesters MP commented “Papua New Guinea is one of Australia’s most important partners and we are proud to call them our ally.”

Throughout the inquiry process, the Committee held a public hearing where it heard from stakeholders about some of the mutual benefits of the treaty, including the two-way military training and skills exchange in areas of specialist jungle warfare and increased interoperability.The Committee found that the Pukpuk Treaty is well aligned with Australia’s strategic focus on relationship building, regional stability, prosperity and sovereignty in the Pacific. The Report can be found on the Committee website, along with further information on the inquiry.