Hidden Camera Scandal on Australian Navy Ship
Spot: Hidden cameras were allegedly found in shower areas used by female sailors aboard HMAS Leeuwin. The vessel has been held in port as an investigation continues.
A hidden camera scandal has emerged in the Royal Australian Navy. Independent Senator, former soldier and defence policy advocate Jacqui Lambie has alleged that “hidden cameras were recently found in the shower areas used by female sailors” aboard the Royal Australian Navy vessel HMAS Leeuwin.
Speaking in the Australian Senate today, Lambie said: “I am told this happened recently and that the ship has been prevented from going to sea while the investigation continues. Even more concerning are allegations that footage from these cameras may have been uploaded to the internet before the devices were discovered.”
Lambie added: “How many of our female sailors were unknowingly recorded during their most private moments? How much footage has been shared or uploaded online without their knowledge or consent? These are the questions I am putting to the Navy today.”
“The Department of Defence Will Not Tolerate Unacceptable Behaviour”
In a statement on the incident, the Australian Defence Force confirmed that a device capable of secretly recording footage had been found in a cabin aboard the vessel, which is based in Cairns, Queensland.
“The Department of Defence takes this incident extremely seriously and will not tolerate unacceptable behaviour of any kind. The ship was held in port to allow the investigation to proceed and to ensure that the crew received the necessary support immediately. The wellbeing of personnel is a priority for the Department of Defence, and support efforts are ongoing,” the statement said.
The department confirmed that the investigation is continuing and said no further details could be released at this stage in order to protect the privacy of the personnel involved.
