On 14 October, a hidden camera was found in the women's shower facilities on the HMAS Leeuwin, a navy ship based in Cairns, Queensland. The discovery raised immediate concerns about privacy and possible online distribution of footage. The Australian Defence Department launched a formal investigation, prioritizing the welfare of the crew.
Senator Jacqui Lambie and Federal Minister Anika Wells condemned the incident. Lambie warned that claims of footage being uploaded online before the cameras were discovered were even more disturbing. Both politicians called for transparency and accountability, with Lambie specifically urging an independent investigation.
The Defence Department is taking the matter seriously and prioritizing the welfare of the crew. Military police are investigating the incident to determine how the device entered the shower area and whether any recordings had been transmitted beyond the ship's network. The investigation remains ongoing as of the same day the cameras were discovered.
Both politicians called for transparency and accountability, with Lambie specifically urging an independent investigation.