Australian Brigadier Joins PNG Probe into Defence Recruitment Irregularities

 Papua New Guinea’s investigation into alleged recruitment irregularities at Murray Barracks will now include a senior Australian military officer, marking a joint effort to ensure transparency in the process.

Prime Minister James Marape announced the development after a high-level security meeting, stating that the decision reflects the importance of maintaining integrity in defence recruitment.

Australian Brigadier Joins PNG Probe into Defence Recruitment Irregularities

The appointed Brigadier General from the Australian Defence Force will sit on a four-person independent panel assembled through the Chief Secretary’s office.

According to Mr Marape, bringing in an external figure strengthens confidence in the investigation and helps provide a balanced review of the concerns raised.

“Investigation that only includes team from us, we felt, will not give the independence it requires, especially when we are working in partnership with the Australian Defense Force. I think someone from the Australian Defense Force will give that independent and arm's-length and additional sight into what has taken place. It is not to pinpoint individuals.”

He said the bilateral defence arrangement, including plans for Papua New Guineans to serve in Australia’s forces, makes it critical that recruitment standards are beyond question.

“The quality of recruits is in our interest as much as it is in the Australian Defense Force, especially when the pool in which the recruits will be sourced from comes from within Papua New Guinea. It is really in that interest that we felt best that the involvement of the Australian Defense Force, especially at the very, very senior level. I want to thank the Australian Government that at our request, they are deploying a very, very senior official at the rank of Brigadier General to be part of this panel of four to review what has taken place in the recruitment saga at Murray Barracks.”

The inquiry will run for two weeks, with findings expected shortly after.

Meanwhile, authorities have halted new intakes and suspended disciplinary measures until the review is completed, while reforms are being prepared to integrate Papua New Guinea Defence Force recruitment into a structured school leaver system across all provinces.