A video recording device was discovered in the cabin of the HMAS Leeuwin, a Royal Australian Navy ship stationed in Cairns, Queensland. This announcement from the defence department follows allegations made by Senator Jacqui Lambie in parliament regarding a concealed camera found in a women’s shower on board the vessel.
Incident Overview
On 11 October 2026, the defence department confirmed that the device was located while the ship was alongside in Cairns. A spokesperson stated that the Joint Military Police Unit is investigating the matter, although further details about the device's location were not disclosed.
“"Defence takes this incident extremely seriously and does not tolerate unacceptable behaviour in any form," the spokesperson said.
Allegations in Parliament
During a Senate session on Wednesday morning, Lambie, a veteran of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and advocate for defence personnel, revealed that she had been contacted by a former navy member regarding the concealed camera. She stated:
“"The sender told me that concealed cameras have recently been found in the female sailors’ showers facilities on the vessel HMAS Leeuwin, based in Cairns."
