Enhancing Maritime Security: Australia-Papua New Guinea Cooperation and Future Imperatives

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Australia actively administers various bilateral and multilateral programs to strengthen relations with PNG. Among these, three pivotal programs—Pacific Maritime Security Program (PMSP), Pacific Research Program (PRP), and Blue Security Program (BSP)—focus on crucial aspects of maritime security and evidence-based policy making in PNG and the broader Indo-Pacific region. These initiatives collectively underscore Australia’s commitment to collaborative efforts beyond immediate security concerns, aiming for long-term strategic goals.

Under the Defence Co-operation Program, the PMSP facilitated PNG's acquisition and operation of four guardian-class patrol boats. Recently, the HMPNGS Gilbert Toropo was delivered and is stationed at Port Moresby’s Basilisk Naval Base, soon to be commissioned for duty at the Lombrum Naval Base in Manu Province.

Joining three existing vessels—HMPNGS Ted Diro, HMPNGS Rochus Lokinap, and HMPNGS Francis Agwi—the HMPNGS Gilbert Toropo will reinforce patrols across PNG’s maritime space, replacing aging vessels like HMPNGS Rabaul, HMPNGS Seeadler, HMPNGS Moresby, and HMPNGS Dreger. These new patrol boats play a crucial role in safeguarding the 3.12 million square kilometer Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and protecting undersea internet cables, aligning with the Maritime Zones Act.

Aligned with Australia’s foreign policy, the PMSP aims to combat illegal fishing, transnational crime, and people smuggling. Collaborative efforts between Australian Government organizations and their PNG counterparts, such as the Royal PNG Constabulary, the PNG Defence Force Maritime Element, and the Australian Federal Police, have intercepted foreign vessels, demonstrating Australia’s support for PNG's maritime security interests.

However, PNG's lack of updated defense and national security policies, including a foreign policy white paper, might hinder the PMSP's effectiveness in combating issues like illegal fishing, necessitating agreements like the ship-rider agreement with the United States. Instances like the Budbudi Island case highlight the exploitation of PNG’s territorial waters and EEZ by drug syndicates due to inadequate surveillance and intelligence coordination.

Australia's engagement of PNG entities within the PRP aims to cultivate expertise in evidence-based policymaking. Collaborations involving esteemed institutions like the Lowy Institute, Australian National University, University of PNG, and the National Research Institute, along with joint forums addressing security issues and national interests, demonstrate significant progress through these collaborative efforts.

However, PNG faces a significant gap, lacking specialized security or foreign policy research institutions for consistent studies guiding evidence-based policymaking. This gap, resulting from inadequate planning, insufficient funding, and mismanagement of financial resources, leaves policymakers and researchers without updated information necessary for informed decision-making and effective problem-solving. Bridging this gap is critical to supporting PNG's strategic interests through informed policymaking.

Australia and PNG are dedicated to strengthening maritime security through initiatives like the PMSP, PRP, and BSP, aimed at addressing Indo-Pacific challenges. However, there's a clear need for updated policies and research institutions in PNG to handle evolving threats effectively. Ongoing cooperation and investment in evidence-based policymaking are essential for protecting mutual interests and promoting stability in the region. The newly established Australia-PNG Bilateral Security Agreement holds significant importance in this endeavour.

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