World · East Asia & Pacific · 3 hrs ago
Recording device found aboard Australian navy ship; investigation launched
A recording device was found aboard HMAS Leeuwin, a Royal Australian Navy ship docked in Cairns, Queensland.
Defence said it became aware of the device on 11 October and referred the incident to military police, who are working with civilian authorities.
Senator Jacqui Lambie said a former navy member told her concealed cameras had been found in women’s showers on the ship.
Lambie also raised claims that recordings may have been uploaded online, but it is unclear whether any footage was shared.
Defence has not said where exactly the device was found or whether anyone has been identified, citing the ongoing investigation and the privacy of those affected.
The ship remained docked during the investigation, and Defence says support for crew members is ongoing.
The incident comes amid wider concerns about sexual abuse and harassment in the defence force, and the investigation is continuing.
A video recording device was found in a cabin aboard the Royal Australian Navy ship HMAS Leeuwin while it was alongside in Cairns, Queensland.
Australia’s defence ministry has launched an investigation, involving the Joint Military Police Unit and civilian authorities.
Senator Jacqui Lambie said a former navy member had told her concealed cameras were found in the women’s showers.
Lambie said she had been told footage may have been uploaded online, but the sources do not confirm that it was.
The ministry said the ship remained alongside to support the investigation and provide support to crew members.
- Who
- Australia’s defence ministry is investigating the discovery. Senator Jacqui Lambie raised claims about concealed cameras.
- What
- A video recording device was found in a cabin aboard HMAS Leeuwin. Lambie said she had been told cameras were found in women’s showers.
- When
- Defence said it became aware of the device on 11 October 2026. Lambie raised the allegations in the Senate on 14 October.
- Where
- HMAS Leeuwin, while alongside in Cairns, Queensland.
- Why
- The device’s discovery prompted an investigation. The sources do not state why it was placed there.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Defence said it became aware that a recording device had been found aboard HMAS Leeuwin in Cairns.
Lambie raised allegations in the Senate that concealed cameras had been found in the women’s showers.
Defence said the incident had been referred to the Joint Military Police Unit and that the ship remained alongside during the investigation.
- Ship
- HMAS Leeuwin
- Device
- Video recording device found in a cabin
- Location
- Cairns, Queensland
- Date Defence became aware
- 11 October 2026
- Investigating unit
- Joint Military Police Unit
- Senator
- Jacqui Lambie
4 sources
What people are saying
Defence takes this incident extremely seriously and does not tolerate unacceptable behaviour in any form.
The welfare of individuals remains Defence’s priority, and support is ongoing.
Even more disturbing are claims that footage from these cameras may have been uploaded online before the cameras were discovered.
Enough is enough. Don’t enlist until it’s fixed. I cannot stress that enough.