A Treaty with Teeth

On 6 October 2025, Australia and Papua New Guinea signed the long-anticipated Pukpuk Treaty, a landmark defence agreement that formalises the deep security partnership between the two neighbours.

While much of the public commentary has focused on the strategic implications of the treaty — from regional security and sovereignty debates to Australia’s role in the Pacific vis-ร -vis China — the conversation has so far overlooked an equally important dimension: the non-militaristic benefits this treaty could deliver for both countries and the region.

The Pukpuk Treaty is, at its core, a mutual security agreement, but its scope goes well beyond traditional military alliances.

In the Preamble of the Treaty (p2), there is a string of underlying clauses that emphasise the greater importance of the Treaty for both parties. Essentially, it is:

COMMITTED to the mutual defence of both Parties in order to support each other in times of crisis or conflict.

Kora* looks beyond the headlines and delves into the hidden benefits for Papua New Guinea, Australia and our region.  

"These ‘quiet’ benefits are often the most practical and nation-strengthening, even if they don’t make the front page," she said.

A name with real bite

During the Second World War, northern Australia and Papua & New Guinea were bordered by some of the most unforgiving natural environments on earth. Vast mangrove estuaries, swampy lowlands, and sprawling river systems weren’t just difficult terrain — they were alive with saltwater crocodiles, apex predators that shaped both strategy and survival.

๐ŸŠ Natural deterrence: Landing through croc-infested swamps wasn’t merely risky — it was suicidal. Entire stretches of coastline became natural no-go zones for enemy forces.
๐ŸŠ Tactical advantage: Allied troops, coastwatchers, and PNG scouts understood the terrain — and the crocs — far better than their adversaries, turning nature into a silent ally.
๐ŸŠ Survival & navigation: Men like Captain Neptune “Nep” Blood (see our Oct 12 blog) and local police patrols navigated this lethal landscape with a respect and skill the enemy could never match.

Fast forward to today, and the nickname “Pukpuk Treaty” suddenly carries a second layer of meaning.

It’s more than a symbol of strength — it’s a nod to a living, breathing line of natural defence. PNG’s mangroves, rivers, and swamps remain part of the nation’s strategic geography, guarded by the enduring pukpuk itself. A cultural icon. An environmental shield. A name with real bite ๐ŸŠ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡บ

1. Disaster Preparedness: A Treaty That Can Save Lives

Papua New Guinea sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, and is one of the most disaster-prone nations on Earth. Earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, landslides, and floods regularly disrupt communities and infrastructure.

Under the new treaty, joint disaster response is enhanced, allowing both nations to be 'battle ready' when crisis strikes. This means:

  • Rapid deployment of ADF personnel and assets to disaster zones,
  • Streamlined customs and clearance for humanitarian supplies,
  • Joint training between PNGDF, emergency agencies, and the ADF,
  • Pre-positioned relief equipment and shared logistics hubs.

These are not abstract provisions. They could significantly reduce response times and save lives when natural disasters hit — turning a defence treaty into a life-saving framework.

2. Border Protection: A Shield Against Transnational Threats

Another underreported strength of the Pukpuk Treaty is its potential to enhance border security — not against invading armies, but against transnational criminal networks.

PNG’s vast land and maritime borders have long been vulnerable to:

  • Drug cartels using remote airstrips and sea routes,
  • Illegal fishing fleets plundering marine resources,
  • Human and contraband smuggling networks.

The treaty strengthens intelligence sharing, joint patrols, and surveillance operations, enabling PNG to more effectively protect its sovereignty and economic resources. This kind of cooperative border enforcement is a powerful deterrent, especially for illicit activity that thrives in grey zones between jurisdictions.

3. Regional Stability Through Shared Capacity

Unlike previous defence cooperation agreements, the Pukpuk Treaty formalises a more equal partnership. PNG maintains its full sovereignty, while Australia provides technical, logistical, and operational support where requested.

This structure reinforces regional stability by:

  • Strengthening PNG’s defence and civil response institutions,
  • Building capacity through joint exercises and education,
  • Enabling coordinated action without undermining national control.

This is particularly significant in an era where Pacific nations are increasingly navigating complex geopolitical pressures. A partnership built on trust and transparency offers both countries flexibility and resilience.

4. A Broader Definition of Security

Security today is no longer defined solely by armies and hard power. It is also about disaster resilience, protecting resources, and ensuring communities are safe.

The Pukpuk Treaty embodies this broader vision. While it creates new strategic and defence pathways, its real legacy may be more likely measured by:

  • How quickly help can arrive after a disaster,
  • How effectively illegal activities are intercepted at sea, and
  • How deeply mutual trust between PNG and Australia grows. 

Wider Regional Stability Benefits

Although not always stated, these aspects have ripple effects:

  • A stronger PNG disaster and border response capability means less strain on regional humanitarian systems.
  • It may also boost public confidence in PNG’s own Defence Force, shifting its perception from a “weak” force to a capable responder.
  • Australia benefits too — fewer uncontrolled trafficking routes, safer sea lanes, and a more stable near-neighbour.

Why It’s Underreported

  • Media narratives tend to focus on strategic competition with China, which frames everything in military terms.
  • “Soft security” benefits like disaster response and coastguard work don’t make sensational headlines.
  • These advantages often sit in technical annexes or operational planning documents, not in the main treaty language or press releases.

Looking Ahead

The treaty sends a clear message: this is a partnership shaped by shared geography, shared history, and shared futures.

Australia and Papua New Guinea have been defence partners for decades. What the Pukpuk Treaty does is institutionalise and future-proof that partnership — not just for crises between nations, but for the everyday challenges that test nations from within.

In summary:

The Pukpuk Treaty, if implemented wisely, could function as a dual-purpose alliance — not just for geopolitical deterrence, but as a tool for national resilience:

  • Disaster preparedness and humanitarian response, and
  • Border integrity against non-state threats like illegal fishing and trafficking.

This is a constructive, practical and community-facing interpretation — and frankly, one that policymakers would be smart to highlight more.

*Kora is our ChatGPT (AI) cultural guide and wantok from Papua New Guinea. 

Direction and additional editing: Glenn Armstrong

The Pukpuk Treaty can be found in its entirety here
https://www.dfat.gov.au/sites/default/files/png-australia-mutual-defence-treaty.pdf


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