Hidden camera uncovered in an Australian navy ship cabin as a police probe is launched
A recording device was found in the women’s showers aboard Australian Navy survey ship HMAS Leeuwin while it was docked in Cairns on Sunday. The Australian Defence Force referred the matter to military police and civilian authorities, and the ship is remaining in port while investigators work and crew receive support.
Tasmanian Senator Jacqui Lambie raised the incident in the Senate after hearing from a former Navy member, who alleged footage had been shared online before the device was discovered. The allegation has not been confirmed by authorities. Lambie called for checks for other devices, amid concerns among Defence personnel about privacy and safety in military spaces. HMAS Leeuwin was commissioned in 2000 and has a crew of 46.
- A hidden camera was found in HMAS Leeuwin’s women’s showers.
- Authorities are investigating and supporting the crew.
- An allegation that footage was shared online remains unconfirmed.
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HMAS Leeuwin is an Australian Navy survey ship, used to gather information about the sea and coastline. Commissioned in 2000, it has a crew of 46 and is currently in port in Cairns.
The Australian Defence Force oversees the Navy and has referred the matter to military police and civilian authorities. Senator Jacqui Lambie is a Tasmanian politician who raised concerns in Parliament; a former Navy member has made a separate claim about footage, which authorities have not confirmed.
The case raises questions about privacy and safety for people serving in close quarters at sea. Investigators’ work may help establish what happened and whether checks are needed elsewhere.