On 20 February, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles hosted Minister for Defence Dr Billy Joseph for the 2025 Australia-Papua New Guinea Defence Ministers' Meeting in Brisbane.
The two Ministers reaffirmed the defence relationship as a key pillar of the Comprehensive Strategic and Economic Partnership between our countries and discussed an ambitious agenda to modernise our longstanding defence partnership.
Reflecting on Papua New Guinea's (PNG) 50th year of independence, Ministers recalled the creation by PNG's leaders of the PNG Defence Force (PNGDF) in 1975 from the Pacific Islands Regiment and the Australian Army. The closeness and respect between both forces was forged by standing shoulder-to-shoulder during the darkest days of World War Two. While much has changed in the 50 years since independence, our unique defence ties have only strengthened.
Ministers commended the strong record of bilateral defence cooperation and the substantial progress in recent times. The work of the Defence Cooperation Program is delivering tangible enhancements to PNGDF capabilities, and bringing both forces closer together.
Ministers commended the integration between PNG and Australian forces, who proudly train, exercise, deploy and work alongside each other every day. Ministers recognised the integration of the PNGDF in all major multi‑national exercises in Australia.
They noted the significant number of ADF personnel who visit PNG each year to conduct valuable training alongside their PNGDF counterparts - benefiting greatly from training in the country's unique geography. They acknowledged the mutual readiness to support each other in times of need, including in response to Australia's 2019-2020 Black Summer bushfires, and more recently, to the eruption of Mt Bagana in Bougainville and the devastating landslide in Enga Province.
Building on this unique history and closeness, Ministers announced their shared commitment to negotiate a bilateral defence treaty. The Treaty would build on the historic Australia-PNG Bilateral Security Agreement signed by Prime Ministers Marape and Albanese in 2023, which provides the overarching framework for cooperation between Australia and PNG across all areas of security.
Ministers noted our shared geography, history and security interests make PNG and Australia natural partners. Ministers discussed their ambition for the Treaty, agreeing it would expand and modernise the defence relationship and facilitate deeper integration. Ministers agreed the Treaty would make it easier for Australia and PNG to support each other's security, and contribute to the collective security of the region.
Recognising the growing capabilities of the PNGDF, Ministers agreed PNG would host a component of Exercise Talisman Sabre in 2025. Ministers agreed this proposal is an important demonstration of the deepening integration between the PNGDF and ADF, adding to the existing array of joint and multilateral exercises both nations share.
Ministers looked forward to marking PNG's upcoming 50th anniversary of Independence and continuing to build a defence partnership for the future.
Quotes attributable to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP:
"I would like to acknowledge my friend and counterpart, Dr Billy Joseph, for his vision and ambition for our defence partnership. I look forward to strengthening our defence relationship through a new defence treaty."
Quotes attributable to the Papua New Guinea Minister for Defence, Dr Billy Joseph
"Let me acknowledge my friend and counterpart DPM Marles for sharing the same ambition and strategic vision for the mutual security of both our nations.
"Our defence relationship was born out of conflict in the Pacific. It is fitting we pursue a defence treaty, based on the enduring nature of our defence relationship.
"I want to thank DPM Marles for the opportunity to host a component of Exercise Talisman Sabre this year. This will enable us to train and affirm our interoperability. This is a natural progression and maturing of our defence relationship."
