What exactly happened:
Defence statement Oct 14: Device found Oct 11 in cabin of HMAS Leeuwin, hydrographic survey vessel. Ship kept alongside to enable investigation and support crew.
Senator Jacqui Lambie, independent and ADF veteran, told Senate Oct 14-15: "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... Even more disturbing are claims that footage from these cameras may have been uploaded online before the cameras were discovered."
Her questions: "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?"
Defence has not officially confirmed exact location was female showers in public statement, only saying "cabin", but multiple outlets citing Lambie report shower facilities. Investigation referred to Joint Military Police Unit working with civilian authorities.
Why this matters beyond one ship:
A Royal Commission concluded in 2024 found sexual misconduct remained a "systemic issue" across Australian armed forces. Lambie: "This is a culture that, unfortunately, Defence has not been able to clean up."
Navy chief: "We will tackle this act of sexual violence with all of our energy. Any perpetrator will be held to account."
This is not isolated. Similar voyeurism cases reported on other navies worldwide. Trust is combat effectiveness.
How to protect yourself from secret cameras - Tips that work
You should not have to sweep showers, but here is how to stay safe in military barracks, ships, rentals, hotels, gyms:
1. Visual sweep - 60 seconds:
Look at air vents, smoke detectors, showerheads, screw heads, coat hooks, shampoo bottles, USB chargers. Hidden cameras need line of sight. On ships, check bulkhead screws, pipe joints, soap dispensers. Anything with tiny pinhole.
2. Lights-off phone test:
Turn off lights, close door, use phone flashlight. Camera lens reflects. Shine slowly around - lens glints red/purple. On HMAS Leeuwin, device was small enough to hide in cabin fittings.
3. Phone camera IR detection:
Many spy cams use IR for night vision. In dark, open phone front camera (some filter IR less) and scan. Glowing dot = IR LED. Also use phone to check mirrors: place fingertip on mirror - if gap between finger and reflection, may be two-way.
4. RF detector app + physical check:
Use network scanner: hidden cams often connect to WiFi. Scan for unknown devices with generic names. Feel for unusual warmth in objects. Check for SD card slots.
5. What to do if you find one:
DO NOT touch, move, or delete. Preserve evidence. Cover lens with towel, exit, report immediately to chain of command, SeMPRO 1800 736 776, Military Police, or civilian police. Document location with photo from distance. If footage may be online, request preservation order - Australian law criminalizes non-consensual intimate image distribution under Criminal Code 474.17A.
Defence support lines active: SeMPRO, Defence All-hours Support Line 1800 628 036, Member and Family Helpline 1800 624 608.
Bottom line: Women in uniform should not need to sweep showers. Until audit complete and culture fixed, situational awareness is second defense.
FAQ
Was footage from HMAS Leeuwin uploaded online?
Senator Lambie claims tipster said footage may have been uploaded before discovery. Defence has not confirmed this. Investigation ongoing by Joint Military Police Unit.
Who is the person of interest in HMAS Leeuwin case?
ADF member identified Oct 15, assisting inquiries. No charge announced yet. Name withheld to protect privacy of affected.
What is Navy doing after hidden camera found?
Vice Admiral Matt Buckley ordered 100% audit of all bathrooms across fleet, full investigation, support for impacted personnel, tackling as sexual violence.
Is hidden camera in shower illegal in Australia?
Yes. Installing device to record private activity without consent is voyeurism, criminal offence in Queensland Criminal Code s227A, plus Commonwealth offence for non-consensual distribution of intimate images up to 7 years prison.
How common are hidden cameras in ADF?
Royal Commission 2024 found sexual misconduct systemic. Exact hidden camera stats not published, but SeMPRO reports hundreds of sexual misconduct reports annually.
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