CAIRNS โ A video recording device has been discovered in the cabin of a Royal Australian Navy ship docked in Cairns, the Department of Defence has confirmed, following revelations brought to light in parliament by Senator Jacqui Lambie regarding a concealed camera found on the vessel.
The defence agency verified on a Wednesday afternoon that the device had been located aboard the HMAS Leeuwin three days prior. Following inquiries, a departmental spokesperson stated that law enforcement is investigating the matter, though specific details regarding the exact placement of the device were not initially disclosed.
According to the official statement, Defence became aware on October 11 that a recording apparatus had been found inside a cabin on the navy vessel while it was berthed alongside in Cairns, Queensland. The situation was promptly referred to the Joint Military Police Unit, and officials are coordinating with civilian authorities. The department emphasized that it views the incident with extreme seriousness and maintains zero tolerance for unacceptable behavior in any capacity.
Earlier that same morning, Senator Lambie, an Australian Defence Force veteran and advocate for service personnel, addressed the Senate after being contacted by a former navy member regarding the vessel. She stated that concealed cameras had recently been located within the female sailors' shower facilities on the HMAS Leeuwin, which is based in Cairns.
Lambie further told parliament that the discovery had recently occurred and temporarily halted the ship from sailing while probes continued. She also raised alarming concerns that footage from the cameras may have been uploaded online prior to their detection, questioning how many female sailors had been unknowingly recorded in private spaces and whether material had been distributed without consent.
When questioned about whether a perpetrator had been identified, if other facilities had been checked, or if footage had been shared online, the department did not directly address those specific inquiries. Officials noted that the HMAS Leeuwin remained docked to facilitate the ongoing inquiry and to provide immediate support to the crew members.
The department stressed that personnel welfare remains its highest priority and that support services are active. Because the investigation is ongoing and to protect the privacy of those affected, further comment was withheld.
Speaking at a subsequent press conference, Senator Lambie expressed dissatisfaction with the official response from Defence. She asserted that the department needs to take stronger control of internal conduct and raised questions about whether checks had been conducted across other naval vessels and submarines to ensure no similar devices exist, noting uncertainty over whether the equipment originated from contractors or active defence members.