ADF member named person of interest over device found on HMAS Leeuwin
An Australian Defence Force member has been identified as a person of interest in the investigation into a video recording device located on HMAS Leeuwin. The Royal Australian Navy ship was docked in Cairns at the time the discovery was disclosed. The person of interest is assisting the Joint Military Police Unit with its enquiries. The Guardian
Defence said it became aware on 11 October 2026 that a video recording device had been located in the cabin of HMAS Leeuwin. Defence The announcement came after Senator Jacqui Lambie told parliament a camera had been found concealed in a women's shower on board. The Australian Defence Force confirmed that a hidden video recording device was found in a navy ship's cabin. BBC
In the Senate, Lambie said a hidden camera had been found in a female shower facility aboard HMAS Leeuwin. Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Matt Buckley confirmed a video recording device had been located in one of the ship's bathrooms.
Defence referred the matter to the Joint Military Police Unit. The ship's program was altered to enable investigation by the unit.
The Navy is conducting a 100% audit of all bathrooms across the Fleet in response to the incident. The warrant officer of the navy was in Cairns to support the ship's company.
Vice Admiral Buckley described the incident as an act of sexual violence and the most despicable betrayal of trust. Defence Minister Richard Marles described the incident as reprehensible, invasive and the most despicable breach of trust.
