Person of interest identified in HMAS Leeuwin hidden camera scandal

DAILYMAIL.COM • Oct 15

By KYLIE STEVENS, SENIOR BREAKING NEWS REPORTER, AUSTRALIA 08:41 15 Oct 2026, updated 08:41 15 Oct 2026

An Australian Defence Force member has been identified as a person of interest following the discovery of a secret recording device in a female shower block on a Royal Australian Navy ship.

Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Matt Buckley addressed naval officers about the ‘despicable betrayal of trust’ on Thursday afternoon as investigations continue.

A hidden camera was found aboard the HMAS Leeuwin on Sunday while the ship was docked in Cairns in Far North Queensland.

Tasmanian Senator Jacqui Lambie revealed the disturbing incident to the federal Senate on Wednesday after she received an email from a former Navy member.

The ship remains in Cairns to enable a ‘rapid and rigorous investigation by the Joint Military Policing Unit’ and to provide support to crew.

The Department of Defence confirmed on Thursday that an ADF member has been identified as a person of interest.

‘This person is now assisting the Joint Military Police Unit with its enquiries,’ a spokesperson told the Daily Mail.

‘Navy’s focus and priority is providing support to those who are impacted by this incident.’

It is understood the matter is yet to be referred to Queensland Police.

It comes as Vice Admiral Buckley addressed naval officers about the ‘most serious matter’.

‘My highest priority, as always, is the wellbeing of our people,’ he said in a video statement.

‘All potentially impacted personnel are receiving our strongest support.

‘The Warrant Officer of the Navy is in Cairns right now to support the ship’s company.’

He assured that a 100 per cent audit of all bathrooms across the fleet will be conducted, amid fears more hidden cameras were onboard naval ships.

‘This act is the most despicable betrayal of trust and is fundamentally misaligned with our values,’ Vice Admiral Buckley added.

‘We will not, however, be defined by acts of this nature.

Our Navy is one where highly professional war fighters must rely day in day out on their shipmates.

‘Anything that undermines the trust and respect we need for one another will not be tolerated.

He vowed that any perpetrator will be held to account.

‘You have my assurance and commitment that we will tackle this act of sexual violence with all of our energy.

‘Further, you should all know that eradicating sexual violence in our workplace is fundamental to the fighting efficiency of our Navy. I invite all of you to make this your priority.’

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