The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has confirmed an investigation is underway after a “video recording device” was located in the cabin of a navy ship.
The department confirmed on Wednesday afternoon that a device had been discovered aboard the HMAS Leeuwin on October 11, and came hours after senator and ADF veteran Jacqui Lambie alleged in parliament that a camera had been found concealed in a women’s shower on the ship (The Guardian).
“The incident was referred to the Joint Military Police Unit and Defence is working with civilian authorities. Defence takes this incident extremely seriously and does not tolerate unacceptable behaviour in any form,” an ADF spokesperson said (The Age).
On Wednesday morning, Lambie told the Senate that she’d been contacted by a former member of the navy with allegations about a camera being found in the female sailors’ showers facilities aboard HMAS Leeuwin (The Guardian).
“Even more disturbing are claims that footage from these cameras may have been uploaded online before the cameras were discovered,” Lambie said (ABC).
An ex-servicewoman said one of her friends was onboard and had been told to not speak with the media. “These people have been forced to remain silent about it,” she said. “If Defence was as good as they say it was, why would they need to silence anyone?” (ABC).