Australia-PNG defence pact

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PNG defence minister steps aside amid army recruitment controversy

April 9, 2026

By Johnny Blades, RNZ Pacific bulletin editor Papua New Guinea’s Defence Minister Dr Billy Joseph has stepped aside to allow investigations into allegations he interfered with army recruitment. Prime Minister James Marape said he would assume the defence portfolio while an independent probe into PNG Defence Force recruitment irregularities proceeded. A media release from Marape ... <a title="PNG defence minister steps aside amid army recruitment controversy" class="read-more" href="https://eveningreport.nz/2026/04/09/png-defence-minister-steps-aside-amid-army-recruitment-controversy/" aria-label="Read more about PNG defence minister steps aside amid army recruitment controversy">Read more</a>

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Experts split on Australia’s Papua New Guinea military recruitment plan

May 9, 2025

By Caleb Fotheringham, RNZ Pacific journalist Australia’s plan to recruit from Papua New Guinea for its Defence Force raises “major ethical concerns”, according to the Australia Defence Association, while another expert thinks it is broadly a good idea. The two nations are set to begin negotiating a new defence treaty that is expected to see ... <a title="Experts split on Australia’s Papua New Guinea military recruitment plan" class="read-more" href="https://eveningreport.nz/2025/05/09/experts-split-on-australias-papua-new-guinea-military-recruitment-plan/" aria-label="Read more about Experts split on Australia’s Papua New Guinea military recruitment plan">Read more</a>