Albanese strutting around the Pacific as the US Deputy Sheriff is not working
Albanese strutting around the Pacific as the US Deputy Sheriff is not working | Australian Greens Skip to main content Search Get Involved Join Donate Our plan Tax the 1% Tackle the cost of living Healthcare for all Fix the housing crisis Strong climate action Policy principles & aims Our team Federal MPs State/territory MPs Officeholders Media releases Take action Volunteer Donate Issues & campaigns Events Greens Shop Leave a bequest Our movement About the Greens Become a member Jobs Green Magazine All news Get Involved Join Donate Search Our plan Toggle Tax the 1% Tackle the cost of living Healthcare for all Fix the housing crisis Strong climate action Policy principles & aims Our team Toggle Federal MPs State/territory MPs Officeholders Media releases Take action Toggle Volunteer Donate Issues & campaigns Events Greens Shop Leave a bequest Our movement Toggle About the Greens Become a member Jobs Green Magazine All news Albanese strutting around the Pacific as the US Deputy Sheriff is not working 2025-09-16 The Papua New Guinea cabinet's failure to meet to consider the proposed ‘Pukpuk Treaty’ with Australia, following so closely from the missteps in Vanuatu, is a clear signal that the strong-arm approach by the Albanese Government is causing friction.
The proposed treaty reportedly will see the integration of the Australian and PNG militaries, coming at the same time as the Albanese Government promised to build a new ministerial wing for PNG’s Parliament and MPs. We have now seen a pattern of behaviour from the Albanese Government in the Pacific, from bribing Nauru into becoming a 21st-century penal colony to undermining the independence of Tuvalu.
The Albanese Government’s approach to our Pacific neighbours is not projected as a relationship of partners, but is instead predicated on Australian domination. This militarised approach was recently rejected by Vanuatu, which did not sign the Nakamal Agreement, after observing the Albanese government’s pattern of behaviour in the Pacific. Senator David Shoebridge, Greens spokesperson on Foreign Affairs and Defence, said: “The Albanese Government is clearly willing to compromise Australia’s independence by bowing to the United States.
Our Pacific neighbours have seen that behaviour and are taking a far more sensible and cautious approach in their relationship with Australia. “There is a very real question over what interoperability between the PNG and Australian militaries will look like. What, for example, would Australia’s role be if there is a return to conflict in Bougainville?
“The proposed defence treaty with PNG has not had any serious public discussion in either Australia or PNG. “Papua New Guinea is right to ask what making their defence force 'interoperable' with the ADF means for their independence. Does it mean they follow us into a US war, or is it about military bases?
“From Australia’s perspective, if the PNG defence force is to be 'interoperable' with the ADF, we need a clear answer on who is paying for that. In the absence of a credible plan to make this happen, it is hard to assess its real-life impact. "Despite the government’s rhetoric, the militarisation of the region does nothing to make us, or our neighbours, safe.
"Albanese is strutting around the region pushing the United States’ security agenda, bribing and intimidating neighbours that should be treated as equals and respected. "Absorbing PNG’s military into the Australian Defence Force is a very questionable way to celebrate the 50th anniversary of independence. “Our Pacific neighbours have been crystal clear, if the Australian Government really cares about peace and stability in the region, it can do two things, stop new coal and gas and end AUKUS.” Facebook for the Australian Greens YouTube for the Australian Greens X for the Australian Greens Instagram for the Australian Greens Bluesky for the Australian Greens Privacy Members website Your safety Contact us Our plan Tax the 1% Tackle the cost of living Healthcare for all Fix the housing crisis Strong climate action In your language 2025 policy platform Policy principles & aims Our team Federal MPs State/territory MPs Officeholders Federal portfolios Federal media releases Take action Volunteer Donate Issues & campaigns Upcoming events Greens Shop Leave a bequest Green Magazine All news Our movement About the Greens Become a member Jobs Members website State/territory parties Contact us The Greens acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture.
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