根据一项新敲定的试点计划，在未来两年内，多达100名巴布亚新几内亚人将能够加入澳大利亚国防军。申请将于下月开放，18至25岁的巴布亚新几内亚公民只要是各大高校的学生或应届毕业生即可申请。成功入伍的新兵最初将持临时签证服役，但必须在符合条件后立即申请澳大利亚国籍。
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.
副总理兼国防部长理查德·马尔斯在巴布亚新几内亚首都莫尔兹比港宣布该计划时表示，这“反映了两国之间的紧密关系，并认识到澳大利亚以及巴布亚新几内亚的安全、稳定和繁荣是紧密相连的”。
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”.
他说：“该试点计划起初的规模较小，以确保在进一步扩大之前建立正确的流程，从而制定出一个具有可持续性并为澳大利亚和巴布亚新几内亚提供持久价值的计划。”
“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.
他还表示：“这不仅对澳大利亚国防军来说是一个巨大的时刻，对巴布亚新几内亚的历史以及我们的双边关系来说也是如此。”
“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.”
巴布亚新几内亚总理詹姆斯·马拉佩此前曾表示，根据《普克普克战争条约》，多达1万名巴布亚新几内亚人可以加入澳大利亚国防军，该条约承诺巴布亚新几内亚和澳大利亚在任何一方遭到攻击时互相防御。
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.
阿尔巴尼斯政府放宽了外国人加入澳大利亚国防军的规则，以弥补近年来招募人数不足的问题。政府还放宽了入伍要求，并向延长服役期限的人员推出4万澳元的留用奖金。
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.
这一战略起到了作用，澳大利亚国防军报告称，上一财年有超过8100人应征入伍，创下16年来的最高纪录。
The strategy has helped, with the ADF reporting more than 8100 enlistments last financial year – a 16 year high.