Papua New Guinea citizens can now join Australian Defence Force

Summarised from 2 outlets · 4 reports · Updated 20 Oct, 09:31 · Archive

Up to 100 Papua New Guinea citizens will be allowed to enlist in the Australian Defence Force under a pilot program.

Up to 100 Papua New Guinea citizens living in PNG will be allowed to apply for the Australian Defence Force from mid-November under a newly finalised pilot program. The announcement followed ministerial talks in Port Moresby and comes after Australia and Papua New Guinea signed the Pukpuk Treaty defence alliance in October 2025, which commits both nations to defend each other if either comes under attack.

The pilot program will comprise two cohorts of up to 50 people over two years, with the first candidates officially joining the ADF from late 2027. Eligible applicants must be aged 18-25 and students or recent graduates from major universities in Port Moresby and Lae. Successful recruits will serve on temporary visas but must apply for Australian citizenship as soon as they are eligible. PNG citizens who are permanent residents in Australia have been able to join the ADF since January 2026; so far there have been 40 active applications from this group.

Defence Minister Richard Marles said the expansion 'reflects the close relationship between our nations'. PNG Prime Minister James Marape has previously indicated that as many as 10,000 Papua New Guineans could eventually join the ADF under the defence pact. The recruitment drive is part of Australia's broader effort to address shortfalls in recent years, which has included relaxing eligibility rules for foreigners and introducing $40,000 retention bonuses. The Australian Defence Force recorded more than 8,100 enlistments in the last financial year, a 16-year high.

How it is being reported

• Defence Force opens recruitment to Papua New Guineans in major bilateral dealCitizens from one Australia’s closest allies will soon be able to join the ADF, as Canberra pushes to bolster the military’s ranks.The West Australian · 20 Oct, 09:17
• Defence Force opens recruitment to Papua New Guineans in major bilateral dealCitizens from one Australia’s closest allies will soon be able to join the ADF, as Canberra pushes to bolster the military’s ranks.Perth Now · 20 Oct, 09:17
• More PNG citizens able to enlist in Australian militaryUp to 100 Papua New Guinea citizens will be allowed to enlist in the Australian Defence Force under a pilot program between the allies.The West Australian · 20 Oct, 09:16
• More PNG citizens able to enlist in Australian militaryUp to 100 Papua New Guinea citizens will be allowed to enlist in the Australian Defence Force under a pilot program between the allies.Perth Now · 20 Oct, 09:16

In this story: Papua New Guinea · Australia · Australian Defence Force · Richard Marles · James Marape · Port Moresby · Lae

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