Posted
A recording device was found on HMAS Leeuwin while it was docked in Cairns on October 11. (ABC News: Brendan Mounter)
An Australian navy member who allegedly planted a recording device in a female-only cabin on a ship has been stood down with pay.
The device was discovered in a women's bathroom on HMAS Leeuwin while it was docked in Cairns on October 11.
An investigation was launched, and a person of interest was identified on October 15.
Today, Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Matthew Buckley confirmed that person had been stood down. He said the decision for the member to continue to receive pay was "normal convention" during an investigation.
There were initially concerns that the footage taken from the device may have been shared online.
However, Vice Admiral Buckley said the investigation has not found any evidence of that happening.
"I can't go into any specific details about the investigation, but I've seen no evidence of any sharing of that information,"
he said.
"As I said, the investigation is ongoing, and it's important that we don't compromise that, such that we can take the appropriate actions needed."
Vice Admiral Matthew Buckley confirmed the person would be stood down with pay. (ABC News: Gavin Coote)
After the incident, the navy conducted an audit of all of its ships and found no other devices.
Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said the behaviour was "reprehensible".
"[It] undermined the dignity and privacy of Royal Australian Navy personnel. It was completely unacceptable, and it has no place in the modern Australian Defence Force," he said.
The investigation into the incident is being led by the Joint Military Police Unit and Defence and is receiving assistance from the Australian Federal Police.