Military police investigate recording device aboard Australian navy ship

An Australian Defence Force member is assisting military police after a video recording device was discovered aboard HMAS Leeuwin in Cairns, Queensland. Defence identified the member as a person of interest on October 15, 2026; ABC Australia reported that the device had been found in a women’s bathroom on October 11.¹²⁴

Investigation and fleet checks

Defence confirmed that the device was located in a bathroom and that the person of interest was helping the Joint Military Police Unit with its inquiries. According to the Guardian, the department also said it was cooperating with civilian authorities after referring the incident to military police.¹⁴

Navy chief Vice Admiral Matt Buckley described the incident as an “act of sexual violence”. He said those responsible would be held accountable, ABC reported. The navy announced that the Fleet Commander was overseeing checks of every bathroom across the fleet, extending its response beyond HMAS Leeuwin.¹²⁴

The ship’s schedule was changed to allow investigators to carry out their work. Defence said HMAS Leeuwin was staying alongside so the investigation could proceed and crew members could receive immediate assistance. The Guardian also reported that the warrant officer of the navy had travelled to Cairns to support personnel aboard.¹

Allegations raised in parliament

Independent senator Jacqui Lambie raised the matter in the Senate, saying a former navy member had contacted her with allegations that concealed cameras had been discovered in female sailors’ showers. That account referred to multiple cameras; Defence’s confirmation concerned a video recording device.¹³⁴

Lambie also raised the possibility that footage had been placed online before the alleged cameras were discovered, and asked whether images had been published, kept or uploaded without consent. The Guardian reported that Defence did not directly answer questions about whether footage had been shared online.¹

Descriptions of the location differed across the reporting. The Guardian carried an initial Defence account referring to a cabin, while the department’s October 15 statement specified a bathroom. ABC described the location as a women’s bathroom inside quarters reserved for women.¹²⁴

Support and oversight

Defence said it was limiting further comment because the investigation was continuing and affected individuals’ privacy needed protection. It said support remained available. Defence minister Richard Marles was receiving updates as the inquiry progressed, according to the Guardian.¹

The incident also prompted calls for outside oversight. According to ABC, Lambie argued that an independent body, rather than Defence itself, should address such matters. Communications minister Anika Wells said people who might have been affected deserved safety at work, while opposition leader Angus Taylor condemned the incident.²