A video recording device has been discovered aboard the Royal Australian Navy vessel HMAS Leeuwin while it was docked in Cairns, initiating a police investigation into the matter. The defence department confirmed the finding just hours after Senator Jacqui Lambie publicly alleged in parliament that a camera had been found concealed within a women’s shower on a navy ship.

The department issued a statement on Wednesday afternoon, confirming that the device had been located on the HMAS Leeuwin three days prior to the public disclosure. While acknowledging the discovery and the ongoing police inquiry, a spokesperson for the defence department did not provide specific details regarding the precise location where the recording device was found on the vessel. This confirmation came in response to inquiries from Guardian Australia following Senator Lambie's parliamentary address.

Senator Lambie, a prominent crossbench figure in Australian politics, used her platform in parliament to voice strong condemnation of the culture within the defence force. Her remarks, made earlier in the day, highlighted serious concerns about the internal environment and the conduct of personnel within the military. The discovery of the recording device on the HMAS Leeuwin subsequently lent a stark context to her broader criticisms regarding defence force standards and accountability.

The incident underscores ongoing scrutiny of privacy and conduct within Australia's military institutions. Naval vessels, as operational environments, are subject to strict security protocols, and the presence of an unauthorised recording device raises significant questions about internal oversight and the welfare of service members. The HMAS Leeuwin is a hydrographic survey ship, critical for mapping and charting operations, and its presence in Cairns for naval duties makes the discovery particularly noteworthy.

Authorities are now tasked with a thorough investigation to determine the origin of the device, who was responsible for its placement, and the extent of any recordings made. The involvement of police indicates the seriousness with which the defence department is treating the incident, pointing towards potential breaches of privacy and security regulations that could have wider implications for the Royal Australian Navy.

The incident is likely to intensify calls for greater transparency and reform within the defence sector, particularly concerning issues of privacy, respect, and the overall cultural environment for all personnel. As the investigation continues, further details are anticipated to emerge, shedding more light on the circumstances surrounding the discovery on the HMAS Leeuwin and its potential impact on defence force policy and practice.