A former navy sailor anonymously tipped off the Defence Ministry on Wednesday that a hidden camera had been installed in a women's shower on the HMAS Leeuwin, a survey vessel docked in Cairns.
The claim follows a 2024 royal commission that described sexual misconduct as a systemic problem across the armed forces, and Senator Jacqui Lambie has demanded answers about possible online uploads of the footage.
Vice Admiral Matt Buckley said the navy would conduct a 100‑percent audit of all ship bathrooms and provide psychological support to those affected, underscoring that any perpetrator would face disciplinary action.
Military police are now canvassing the ship and allied vessels, while the Defence Minister has said the findings will be presented to Parliament next month.
Crew members aboard the Leeuwin have reported feeling uneasy, and a small group of women have requested counseling services from the navy's mental health unit.