A concealed recording device was discovered in a cabin aboard HMAS Leeuwin while the vessel was docked in Cairns, Queensland, on Sunday, prompting an immediate investigation after Senator Jacqui Lambie alleged that hidden cameras had been placed in female shower facilities and that footage may have already been uploaded online.
Allegations and Senator’s Response
Independent senator Jacqui Lambie told the Senate that a former navy member had informed her about a concealed camera in the female sailors’ shower facilities on HMAS Leeuwin, based in Cairns. She said, “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,” and added, “I was also told this had occurred recently and prevented the vessel from sailing while investigations were ongoing.” Lambie then posed the pointed questions, “How many of our female sailors have unknowingly been recorded in their most private moments? How much footage has been distributed online so far, retained or uploaded without knowledge or consent? These are the questions today I ask Navy.”
Defence Investigation Underway
The Australian Defence Force said it took the incident “extremely seriously and does not tolerate unacceptable behaviour in any form.” It confirmed that the matter had been referred to the Joint Military Police Unit, which is working with civilian authorities. The ADF noted, “The ship remained alongside to enable the investigation and ensure immediate support was provided to members of the ship’s crew. The welfare of individuals remains Defence’s priority, and support is ongoing.” Because the inquiry is still active and to protect the privacy of those potentially affected, Defence stated, “As the matter is currently under investigation and to protect the privacy of the affected individuals, Defence is unable to provide further comment at this time.”
Political Reaction and Calls for Reform
Communications minister Anika Wells described the alleged incident as “horrific,” saying, “This is horrible and I really feel for all of the people who are on that ship, who are learning this, and the people who may have been victims of this act,” and stressed, “I can’t say too much about the investigation, because it’s on foot, but you deserve to be safe in your workplace, and the rise of tech‑facilitated abuse, particularly upon women like you’re saying, is horrific.” Greens leader and defence spokesman David Shoebridge called the developments “incredibly concerning,” remarking, “We know many women aren’t feeling safe inside Defence spaces, and again we say to Labor: you’ve got to restore faith with Defence personnel, you’ve got to make women and other people feel safe in Defence spaces.”
Why it Matters
The discovery of covert recording equipment in a military setting underscores a growing threat of tech‑enabled privacy violations that can undermine trust within the armed forces and deter personnel from reporting abuse. If footage has indeed been shared online, the breach extends beyond the ship, exposing victims to potential exploitation and highlighting the urgent need for robust digital duty‑of‑care legislation and stricter oversight of personal spaces in defence environments. The case also places pressure on government leaders to demonstrate concrete action that restores confidence among service members, particularly women, who must be able to perform their duties without fear of hidden surveillance.
