Hidden cameras found in women’s showers on Australian navy ship

Hidden cameras found in women’s showers on Australian navy ship Footage from hidden camera allegedly in female showers may have already been uploaded, senator fears - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Already a member? Log in A hidden video recording device has been found in a cabin aboard a Royal Australian Navy ship, the Australian Defence Force said. The disturbing discovery followed a politician’s allegation that concealed cameras had been found in female shower facilities on the vessel. The device was found in a cabin aboard the navy ship HMAS Leeuwin on Sunday in Cairns, Queensland, prompting an investigation into the incident. Independent senator Jacqui Lambie, a prominent advocate for members of the Australian armed forces, told the senate that a former navy member had informed her about a hidden camera in the female shower facilities aboard HMAS Leeuwin. Ms Lambie said she had received even more disturbing information suggesting that footage from the cameras may have already been uploaded online before the devices were discovered. “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,” she said in the senate. “I was also told this had occurred recently and prevented the vessel from sailing while investigations were ongoing. “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.” Later on Wednesday, the ADF said it took the “incident extremely seriously and does not tolerate unacceptable behaviour in any form”. It said the incident had been referred to the Joint Military Police Unit, which was working with civilian authorities. "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. "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." Communications minister Anika Wells called the alleged incident “horrific”, saying it demonstrated why new digital duty of care laws were needed. “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,” she said. “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 said the developments were “incredibly concerning”. “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,” Mr Shoebridge said. Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments