Hidden camera allegedly found in female sailors’ showers aboard navy ship

A concealed camera has allegedly been found in female sailors’ shower facilities aboard a Royal Australian Navy ship.

Senator Jacqui Lambie raised the allegations in parliament on Wednesday after a former navy member alerted her to the alarming discovery aboard HMAS Leeuwin in Cairns.

The Australian Defence Force has confirmed a video recording device was found in a cabin on the ship on October 11, but has not confirmed it was located in shower facilities or any details about footage.

“The sender told me that concealed cameras have recently been found in the female sailors’ shower facilities on the vessel HMAS Leeuwin based in Cairns,” Lambie told the Senate.

“I was also told that this had occurred recently and had prevented the vessel from sailing while investigations were ongoing.”

HMAS Leeuwin remained docked in Cairns to allow investigators to examine the scene and provide support to crew members.

The matter has been referred to the Joint Military Police Unit, while Defence is also working with civilian authorities.

“Defence takes this incident extremely seriously and does not tolerate unacceptable behaviour in any form,” Defence said in a statement.

“The welfare of individuals remains Defence’s priority, and support is ongoing.”

Lambie also raised claims any recordings taken by the alleged cameras may have already been distributed.

“Even more disturbing are claims that footage from these cameras may have been uploaded online before the cameras were discovered,” she said.

“The sender’s greatest worry is that similar devices may be in other vessels.”

Lambie questioned how many female sailors may have been recorded without their knowledge and how widely any footage could have been shared.

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“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 I ask.”

Defence has not confirmed those allegations and said it could not provide further detail while the investigation was ongoing.

“As the matter is currently under investigation and to protect the privacy of the affected individuals, Defence is unable to provide further comment at this time,” it said.

Professional support has been made available to Defence personnel affected by the incident.