The Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) has strengthened its longstanding partnership with Australia through participation in the inaugural Senior Enlisted Leader Symposium held 2-4 February at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) in Canberra. The symposium gathered more than 200 senior enlisted leaders from 19 nations, reinforcing the deep and enduring PNG–Australia relationship supported through the Defence Cooperation Program (DCP).
Chief Warrant Officer James T. Tarutia, Force Sergeant Major of the PNGDF, attended as part of ongoing bilateral cooperation focused on leadership development, regional security, and interoperability. He engaged closely with Australian Defence Force senior enlisted leaders, contributing meaningfully to the symposium’s “People and Partnerships” theme and strengthening the trusted professional relationship between both forces.
CWO Tarutia expressed his appreciation for the support provided during his visit, describing the positive experience and the strong sense of partnership demonstrated throughout the program as “A symbol of our unwavering friendships between our two nations.”
Australian Senior Enlisted Adviser to the Chief of the Defence Force, Warrant Officer Ken Robertson, conveyed appreciation for PNGDF’s participation, emphasising the value of CWO Tarutia’s engagement and the important contribution it made to deepening defence ties between PNG and Australia.
“It was a privilege to have the PNGDF represented at the ADF Senior Enlisted Leadership Symposium, and his [CWO Tarutia’s] engagement made a valuable contribution to the discussions and the wider intent of strengthening partnerships across our region,” he said.
The ADF Senior Enlisted Leader Symposium is planned to be a biennial event, with strong engagement from this year creating momentum for the valuable forum to continue. The PNGDF’s participation underscores the commitment of both nations to deepening defence ties, enhancing professional military education, and supporting a stable and secure Indo‑Pacific through continued collaboration under the DCP.
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Senior enlisted leaders from 19 nations participate in the inaugural Senior Enlisted Leader Symposium in Canberra, February 2026.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100