The deal to establish a PNG team comes with a China “escape clause” for Australia that would let it terminate the deal without giving a reason until 2034.
A landmark $600 million deal for a Papua New Guinea team to enter the National Rugby League comes with an escape clause allowing the Australian government to immediately terminate the agreement if PNG strikes a security or policing pact with China or other rival nations over the next decade.
The PNG government has committed to build safe compound-style accommodation for players and to offer tax-free salary benefits to lure star players to its capital, Port Moresby. While there is not an explicit clause granting Australia veto rights over security deals between PNG and other countries, government sources said the NRL agreement was “contingent” on PNG continuing to support the principle that security and policing arrangements are handled by Pacific nations including Australia.
The government announced a new treaty earlier this week with Nauru that allows it to block China and other countries from striking any security or telecommunications deals with the tiny Pacific nation in exchange for $140 million in financial support from Australian taxpayers.last week that the agreement has “nothing to do with China” but Australian government officials have insisted there was a security element to the agreement.
The NRL remains in negotiations for a Perth-based franchise, which are continuing directly with the WA government after a consortium bid was rejected.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Australia inks $600 million deal to create PNG NRL teamThe deal to establish a PNG team comes with a China “escape clause” for Australia that would let it terminate the deal without giving a reason until 2034.
Read more »
PNG Prime Minister Clarifies NRL Bid is Not Tied to Security Deal with AustraliaPapua New Guinea's PM James Marape asserts that his country's attempt to join the NRL does not hinge on a security pact with Australia, dismissing links to China's influence in the country.
Read more »
The WA premier and $500m came to Sydney. The Perth Bears dream is alive and wellNRL boss Peter V’landys secures funding guarantees for 18th NRL team in Western Australia.
Read more »
The WA premier and $500m came to Sydney. The Perth Bears dream is alive and wellNRL boss Peter V’landys secures funding guarantees for 18th NRL team in Western Australia.
Read more »
Huge PNG development to be announced amid NRL’s timeline concerns of Perth expansion bidNRL: South Sydney shared vision of new English recruit Lewis Dodd joining Rabbitohs training, with a classic Wayne Bennett welcome.
Read more »
PNG minister says $600m NRL deal ‘nothing to do with China’PNG’s foreign minister said its government had set aside more than $38 million to begin building facilities and a deal could be announced as early as next week.
Read more »