Can Australia Trust PNG’s Defence Leadership Under Investigation?

Commentary by George Lemako

​The deepening defence relationship between Papua New Guinea and Australia has entered a critical phase, but recent controversies surrounding Billy Joseph raise serious questions about whether he should remain involved in such high-stakes engagements.

The 2025 “Pukpuk Treaty” elevated the two nations’ ties to an unprecedented level, effectively forming a defence alliance that commits both countries to mutual security and cooperation. This agreement is not symbolic—it enables deep integration, including joint training, interoperability, and coordinated defence planning.

A key pillar of this partnership is recruitment and training collaboration. Under the agreement, Papua New Guineans can now join the Australian Defence Force (ADF), with pathways opening from January 2026. This is a major shift, with projections suggesting thousands of Papua New Guineans could eventually serve in Australian ranks.

Such arrangements require absolute confidence in the integrity of recruitment systems within the Papua New Guinea Defence Force. Any perception of political interference, favouritism, or corruption does not remain a domestic issue—it directly affects Australia’s national security interests as well.

This is where the controversy surrounding Billy Joseph becomes deeply problematic. Allegations of recruitment bias within PNGDF—particularly claims that political influence shaped enlistment—strike at the very foundation of merit-based military systems. Even without a final legal determination, the optics alone are damaging.

The fact that Joseph reportedly stepped aside to allow investigations into these allegations reinforces the seriousness of the situation. In governance terms, stepping aside is often a signal that the matter has escalated beyond routine criticism and into a potential institutional crisis.

From Australia’s perspective, this creates a dilemma. Canberra has invested heavily in PNG’s defence capacity, viewing it as central to regional stability and its Pacific strategy. But strategic partnerships rely not just on shared interests, but on trust in leadership and systems.

If recruitment processes in PNG are perceived to be compromised, Australia risks importing those weaknesses into its own military through the recruitment pathway. This is not a theoretical concern—defence forces depend on discipline, professionalism, and political neutrality. Any erosion of these principles could have long-term consequences.

Moreover, the treaty itself envisions increasing integration between the two forces, including personnel exchanges and joint operations. If leadership controversies persist at the ministerial level, it undermines confidence in the governance of that integration.

There is also a reputational dimension. Australia, as a regional leader, promotes transparency, rule of law, and institutional integrity. Continuing close defence dealings with a minister under investigation risks sending the wrong message—not only within PNG, but across the Pacific.

This does not mean Australia should abandon its partnership with Papua New Guinea. The relationship is too important, historically and strategically. But it does suggest that engagement should be recalibrated—focused on institutions, oversight mechanisms, and verified processes rather than individuals under scrutiny.

In that context, Billy Joseph should not be at the centre of defence dealings while serious allegations remain unresolved. Leadership in the defence sector demands unimpeachable credibility. Until investigations are concluded, his continued involvement risks weakening both PNG’s internal military integrity and Australia’s confidence in the partnership.

Ultimately, this moment is a test—not just for one minister, but for the strength of governance in Papua New Guinea. If the system can investigate transparently and act decisively, the partnership with Australia will emerge stronger. If not, Canberra will have every reason to think twice about how far and how fast defence integration should proceed.


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