Australian Navy Member Stood Down After Secret Camera Found in Female Showers

An Australian Navy member has been stood down with pay following the discovery of a secret camera in the showers of an all-female cabin aboard the HMAS Leeuwin. The recording device was found on October 11 while the ship was docked in Cairns.

Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Matthew Buckley confirmed on Monday that an individual had been identified as the suspect and subsequently stood down. Buckley defended the decision for the individual to continue receiving pay during the ongoing investigation, stating it is a "normal convention."

The Joint Military Police Unit and Defence are leading the investigation, with assistance from the Australian Federal Police.

"Defence takes this incident extremely seriously and does not tolerate unacceptable behaviour in any form," a department spokesperson stated. Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy described the alleged actions as "reprehensible," adding that they "undermined the dignity and privacy of Royal Australian Navy personnel" and have "no place in the modern Australian Defence Force."

Independent Senator Jacqui Lambie brought the incident to public attention in the Senate, relaying allegations from a former Navy member. She stated that she was informed the discovery prevented the vessel from sailing and that there were claims footage may have been uploaded online before the cameras were found.

The incident occurs amid broader calls for the Australian Defence Force to reform its internal training programs to address sexual harassment. Lawyer Adair Donaldson, who has assisted Defence Force personnel and delivered training on consent and family violence, suggested that current training often feels like a "tick-a-box" exercise. He emphasized the need for training to clearly outline legal consequences and incorporate real-world scenarios to be effective with servicemen and women.