A recording device was discovered in a cabin aboard HMAS Leeuwin in Cairns. The case has raised concerns about sailors’ privacy and possible online distribution of footage.
A hidden video recording device has been found in the cabin of an Australian Navy ship in Queensland, prompting an investigation by military police amid allegations that female sailors may have been secretly filmed in private spaces.
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) confirmed on Wednesday that it had become aware of a video recording device being discovered on Sunday in a cabin aboard the Royal Australian Navy vessel HMAS Leeuwin in Cairns.
The confirmation came after independent Australian senator Jacqui Lambie, a former military veteran and defence advocate, raised concerns in parliament over allegations that concealed cameras had recently been found in shower facilities used by female sailors.
Lambie told the Australian Senate on Wednesday that she had been contacted by personnel who raised concerns about the alleged discovery, BBC reported. She also claimed that the incident had prevented the vessel from sailing while investigations were underway.
“Even more disturbing are claims that footage from these cameras may have been uploaded online before the cameras were discovered,” Lambie told the Senate.
She questioned whether female sailors had been recorded without their knowledge or consent and whether any footage had been retained or distributed online.
“How many of our female sailors have unknowingly been recorded in their most private moments? How much footage has been distributed online so far, retained or uploaded without knowledge or consent? These are the questions today I ask navy,” she said.
The Australian Defence Department has not confirmed whether the recording device was discovered in a female-only area. It said the incident had been referred to the Joint Military Police Unit for investigation.
“Defence takes this incident extremely seriously and does not tolerate unacceptable behaviour in any form,” the department said in a statement.
It added that the ship had remained alongside to allow the investigation to proceed and ensure immediate support was provided to crew members.
“The welfare of individuals remains Defence’s priority, and support is ongoing,” the statement said.
The department declined to provide further details, citing the ongoing investigation and the need to protect the privacy of those affected.
