Australia's Department of Defence says a video recording device was found in a cabin aboard HMAS Leeuwin while the navy ship was alongside in Cairns. Defence became aware of the discovery on 11 October and issued a statement on 14 October.
The matter has been referred to the Joint Military Police Unit, and Defence says it is working with civilian authorities. The ship remained alongside to allow the investigation and immediate support for crew members, according to the department.
Defence said the welfare of affected people is its priority. It has not released further details, citing the active investigation and the privacy of those involved. No finding about who placed the device, what it recorded or whether any offence occurred has been announced.
Source: Australian Department of Defence statement, 14 October 2026.
Image disclosure: This is an AI-generated symbolic editorial illustration. It does not show HMAS Leeuwin, the actual Cairns location, the device or any evidence.
