PNG recruitment into Australian Defence Force to be discussed

Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles says the recruitment of Papua New Guineans into the Australian Defence Force [ADF] will be a key agenda item at the 32nd PNG–Australia Ministerial Forum in Port Moresby today.

Mr Marles said discussions would focus on recruitment pathways and processes under the Pukpuk Treaty.

He said the program would be based on transparency and merit, while acknowledging PNG’s handling of its recent PNG Defence Force [PNGDF] recruitment issues.

“In respect to the PNGDF recruitment saga, that is an incident worked through by the PNG government and we very much respect that process. In terms of recruitment into the ADF, it will very much be a process which is transparent, which is merit- based and we are really excited of what this will mean in terms of having young Papua New Guineans serving in the ADF,” Mr Marles said.

He said the initiative would strengthen defence ties between the two countries while creating employment and skills development opportunities for Papua New Guineans.

“We see this as a really important opportunity for both countries. From Australia’s perspective, it builds the numbers within the ADF, and for Papua New Guineans it offers not only employment but fantastic skills and capability. Most importantly, as allies, there’s nothing more profound than wearing one nation’s uniform,” he said.

Mr Marles said further details on the recruitment process would be discussed at the forum.