Hidden camera found aboard Australian Navy ship HMAS Leeuwin has triggered an official investigation after a video recording device was discovered in a cabin. The ADF confirmed the incident as Jacqui Lambie raised sailor privacy concerns and called for answers over possible recordings.
HMAS Leeuwin investigation
The Australian Defence Force has launched an investigation after a video recording device was found aboard HMAS Leeuwin while the vessel was in Cairns, Queensland.
Defence officials confirmed that the device was discovered on Sunday and that the ship remained alongside while investigators examined the circumstances. The Australian Navy has not publicly disclosed exactly where inside the vessel the device was located.
The incident has prompted questions about security, privacy and the safeguards in place for sailors living and working aboard naval vessels.
Jacqui Lambie raises concerns
Independent senator and former Australian Defence Force member Jacqui Lambie raised the issue in parliament after saying she had been contacted by personnel concerned about possible concealed cameras aboard the ship.
Lambie said she had received claims that cameras may have been found around facilities used by female sailors. She also questioned whether any footage could have been recorded or shared online without the knowledge or consent of those involved.
Those specific allegations have not been confirmed by Defence, and authorities have not established publicly whether any recordings exist.
ADF confirms recording device
Australia's Defence Department later confirmed that a video recording device had been located in a cabin aboard HMAS Leeuwin.
In its statement, Defence said it takes the incident extremely seriously and does not tolerate unacceptable behaviour. Officials said immediate support had been provided to members of the ship's crew and that their welfare remained a priority.
Defence declined to provide further details while the investigation continues, citing the privacy of potentially affected personnel.
Sailor privacy concerns
The discovery has raised broader questions about personal privacy aboard military vessels, where sailors often live and work in confined spaces for extended periods.
Any unauthorised surveillance in accommodation or private facilities would represent a serious breach of trust. Concerns are particularly sensitive when allegations involve areas where crew members have a clear expectation of privacy.
Authorities have not confirmed claims that footage was uploaded or distributed online. Investigators will need to determine whether the device recorded anyone, who installed it and whether any material was stored or shared.
Military police investigation
The case has been referred to the Joint Military Police Unit, which is examining the device and the circumstances surrounding its discovery.
HMAS Leeuwin remained in Cairns while investigators carried out their work. Defence has not announced whether any individual has been identified as a suspect or whether disciplinary or criminal proceedings are expected.
The investigation will now focus on establishing how the device came to be aboard the ship, whether crew members were recorded without consent and whether additional security measures are needed across naval vessels.
Until those questions are answered, Defence says supporting the welfare and privacy of HMAS Leeuwin personnel remains its immediate priority.
