The Australian Defence Force has confirmed an investigation is underway after a recording device was located in the cabin of a navy ship.
The device was discovered on October 11, on HMAS Leeuwin while it was docked in Cairns.
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The ABC understands the device was found in a female-only cabin.
Senator Jacqui Lambie raised the incident while speaking in the Senate this morning.
Senator Lambie told the Senate she had received a letter from a person who said the device had been found in the “shower facilities”.
“Even more disturbing are claims that footage from these cameras may have been uploaded online before the cameras were discovered,” she said.
Senator Lambie said she is preparing a private members bill to raise standards within the Defence Force, which she would introduce to parliament in the new year.
“I want to know if they [Defence] have gone around on the rest of those boats, subs, whatever, and made sure there are no other cameras?” she said.
The device was discovered on October 11, on HMAS Leeuwin while it was docked in Cairns. (ABC News: Brendan Mounter)
Greens leader David Shoebridge, who is also the party’s defence spokesman, described the news as “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,” he said.
Defence did not respond to questions from the ABC about whether the footage had been posted online.
An ex-servicewoman told the ABC 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?”
Defence says it is taking the incident “extremely seriously” and has referred it to the Joint Military Police Unit. (ABC News: Brendan Mounter)
In a statement, Defence said it takes this incident “extremely seriously”.
“The incident was referred to the Joint Military Police Unit and Defence is working with civilian authorities.
“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.”
The Queensland Police Service and the Australian Federal Police referred the ABC to Defence when contacted for comment.