Hidden Camera Discovered in Australian Navy Ship Showers Sparks Investigation
Tasmanian Senator Jacqui Lambie revealed the incident aboard the HMAS Leeuwin, raising concerns about the safety and privacy of female sailors.
An investigation has been launched after a hidden video recording device was discovered in the women's showers aboard the Australian navy ship HMAS Leeuwin. The device was found on Sunday while the ship was docked in Cairns, Queensland.
Tasmanian Senator Jacqui Lambie brought the incident to light in the federal Senate on Wednesday, citing an email from a former Navy member. The source claimed that footage from the device may have been shared online before its discovery. "How many of our female sailors have been recorded in their most private moments?" Lambie questioned in the Senate. "How much footage has been distributed so far… without knowledge or consent?"
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has confirmed it is aware of the matter and has referred the incident to authorities. The Joint Military Police Unit is investigating, with Defence collaborating with civilian authorities. "Defence takes this incident extremely seriously and does not tolerate unacceptable behaviour in any form," an ADF statement read. "The ship remained alongside to enable the investigation and ensure immediate support was provided to members of the ship's crew. The welfare of individuals remains Defence's priority, and support is ongoing."
Senator Lambie expressed concern that more recording devices might be hidden on other naval vessels. "I want to know if they [Defence] have gone around on the rest of those boats, subs, whatever, and made sure there are no other cameras," she stated.
Greens leader David Shoebridge described the incident as "incredibly concerning." He added, "We know many women aren't feeling safe inside Defence spaces, and again we say to Labor: you've got to restore faith with Defence personnel, you've got to make women and other people feel safe in Defence spaces."
The HMAS Leeuwin, a survey ship commissioned in 2000, has a crew of 46. The ship remains in Cairns to facilitate the ongoing investigation and provide support to its crew members. Due to the active investigation and the need to protect the privacy of those affected, further details were not immediately available from Defence.
