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Of course, such strategies are not without financial cost, although initiatives such as joint health
patrols would hardly be noticed within the context of the current A$491 million annual foreign
aid budget. But by thoughtfully building on the existing strong international engagement
foundations, there is considerable potential for Australia to go a long way towards matching
the effect and goodwill generated by far larger amounts of raw monetary aid provided by
other countries.
Importantly, the foundations have been laid for this to occur and, on a positive note, an
increase in funding for Defence cooperation with PNG was announced as part of the Federal
budget, increasing the commitment from A$12 million to A$21 million in 2012/13. 32 Such
relatively low-cost measures are effective ways to exercise ‘soft power’ within the region, as
well as enabling the ADF to make a useful, ‘non-kinetic’ contribution to Australia’s security.
Conclusion
Strengthening Australia-PNG relations is not a ‘silver bullet’ in terms of advancing Australia’s
interests in its near neighbourhood. Realistically, it may have only limited impact in addressing
internal issues in PNG that stem from underdeveloped institutions and structures. Nevertheless,
it would be an incremental step towards both these outcomes, as well as providing a sound
foundation for further, innovative approaches.
More broadly, by refocusing on the level and scope of Australia’s engagement with PNG, we
may help ensure that external actors are not drawn further into the region. We need to ensure
that Australia does not cede the regional field to possible strategic rivals simply by being
outspent in aid. Australia is already well enmeshed in the region’s multilateral political and
security architecture—and strong bilateral relations serve to enhance this.
The ADF, as part of a whole-of-government effort, has a very clear role to play in this endeavour.
Thinking slightly outside and beyond the historical and current engagement paradigm will
serve to make historically strong military-to-military ties stronger still, to the benefit of both
Australia and PNG.
Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Blair has served in a variety of regimental and headquarters
postings, and has deployed on operations to the Middle East and Afghanistan. He is a graduate
of the Australian Command and Staff College, and is the Staff Officer Grade One Combat
Service Support Development , Army Headquarters. He is also currently a part-time doctoral
candidate with the Australian National University’s School of International, Political and
Strategic Studies, researching PNG civil-military relations.
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