Retired General warns PNG-Australia defence deal could violate constitution

Retired Major General Jerry Singirok, former commander of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force, has voiced strong concerns over the proposed Pukpuk mutual defence treaty with Australia, warning it could undermine PNG’s sovereignty.

The treaty, intended to establish joint defence arrangements and allow citizens of both countries to serve in each other’s defence forces, was expected to be signed during Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s visit this week. However, the agreement remains unsigned, with both governments citing ongoing cabinet deliberations.

Singirok told Guardian Australia the deal risks contravening PNG’s constitution.

“If the constitution is not amended it violates our constitution. Australia’s threat is not ours,” he said.
“Why can’t they recruit their own? If Papua New Guineans want to join ADF, they should give up PNG citizenship and become Australian.”

Prime Minister James Marape defended the treaty as PNG’s initiative, stressing it would strengthen shared security without affecting sovereignty.

“A security treaty for Papua New Guinea would be the highest level of secure relations we have given to any country.”

Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko described the treaty as “a work in progress,” with cabinet ministers scheduled to meet next week to finalize details.

The deal is part of Australia’s broader strategy to counter China’s growing influence in the Pacific, alongside other regional agreements such as the delayed climate and security pact with Vanuatu.

Australian Opposition figures criticized the handling of the agreement, saying it prioritized optics over careful diplomacy.

Singirok’s warnings underscore the debate in PNG over sovereignty, constitutional integrity, and the balance between regional security cooperation and national independence, outlining the complexities facing leaders as the nation navigates its strategic choices in the Pacific.