Up to 100 Papua New Guineans will be able join the Australian Defence Force over the next two years under a freshly finalised pilot program.
Applications will open next month, with PNG citizens aged 18-25 eligible provided they are students or recent graduates from major universities.
Successful recruits will initially serve on a temporary visa but must apply for Australian citizenship as soon as they are eligible.
Announcing the program in the PNG capital Port Moresby, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles said it “reflects the close relationship between our nations and recognises that the security, stability and prosperity of Australia and Papua New Guinea are closely connected”.
“The pilot program will have smaller numbers to begin with, to ensure the right processes are in place ahead of further expansion to develop a program that is sustainable and provides enduring value for both Australia and PNG,” he said.
“Not only is this a huge moment for the Australian Defence Force, but also for the history of Papua New Guinea, and our bilateral relationship.”
PNG Prime Minister James Marape has previously said as many as 10,000 Papua New Guineans could join the ADF under the Pukpuk war pact, which commits PNG and Australia to defend each other if either comes under attack.
The Albanese government has relaxed rules for foreigners looking to join the ADF in a bid to boost recruitment shortfalls in recent years.
It has also softened entry requirements and introduction $40,000 retention bonuses for personnel who extend their service.
The strategy has helped, with the ADF reporting more than 8100 enlistments last financial year – a 16 year high.