Hidden Cameras Found in Women Sailors' Showers Aboard Australian Navy Ship

The Australian Defence Force confirmed that a hidden recording device was found in the women sailors' shower facilities aboard HMAS Leeuwin, a Royal Australian Navy vessel, while the ship was berthed in Cairns, Queensland. According to Maritime Executive, the device was discovered on October 11, while the ship was at its berth, and had been placed in the shower facilities used by women sailors.

Senator Jacqui Lambie, a former servicewoman and advocate for the armed forces, told the Senate that naval personnel had informed her that hidden cameras were found in the women sailors' showers. Lambie also noted there are claims that the footage may have been uploaded online before the cameras were discovered, and called for authorities to determine how many women sailors were filmed and how much material was shared online.

The Department of Defence did not specify whether the cameras had been installed specifically in female-only spaces, and referred the case to the Joint Military Police Unit, which is working alongside civilian authorities on a criminal investigation. According to Maritime Executive, a person of interest has already been identified and is cooperating with the inquiry, and the ship's schedule was adjusted to allow for a swift and thorough investigation.

Vice Admiral Matt Buckley, Chief of Navy, described the discovery as an act of sexual violence and one of the most contemptible betrayals of trust, and announced that the Navy will carry out a comprehensive review of all bathrooms across its fleet. Defence Minister Richard Marles called the incident reprehensible and invasive, stated that those responsible will be held accountable, and said there is no place for such conduct in the Australian Defence Force.

The Department of Defence stated that the ship remained berthed to allow for the investigation and to ensure immediate support for crew members, stressing that the wellbeing of those affected is a priority. HMAS Leeuwin, launched in 2000, is a 71-metre hydrographic survey vessel with capacity for 46 crew members, and is the lead ship of the Leeuwin class, according to Maritime Executive.