<p>A hidden video recording device has been discovered inside a cabin aboard an Australian Navy ship, triggering an investigation by the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The device was found on Sunday aboard HMAS Leeuwin in Cairns, Queensland, the ADF confirmed. The confirmation followed concerns raised in parliament by independent Australian senator Jacqui Lambie, a former military veteran and defence advocate. Lambie said she had been contacted by personnel who alleged that concealed cameras have recently been found in the female sailors' showers facilities.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Australia's Defence Department has not confirmed whether the device was discovered in a female-only area. The incident has been referred to the Joint Military Police Unit for investigation. Speaking in the Australian Senate on Wednesday, Lambie raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding the discovery and the possibility that recordings may have been shared without the knowledge of those filmed.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“I was also told this had occurred recently and prevented the vessel from sailing while investigations were ongoing. Even more disturbing are claims that footage from these cameras may have been uploaded online before the cameras were discovered. 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? These are the questions today I ask navy."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/leakers-should-be-shot-trump-rages-over-leak-of-us-military-plans-to-attack-iran-slams-media-1792020214133"><strong>'Leakers should be shot': Trump rages over leak of US military plans to attack Iran, slams media</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Later on Wednesday, the Defence Department confirmed that it had been notified of a video recording device found in a cabin aboard HMAS Leeuwin. However, it did not disclose the precise location where the device was discovered. "Defence takes this incident extremely seriously and does not tolerate unacceptable behaviour in any form," the department said in its statement. "The ship remained alongside to enable the investigation and ensure immediate support was provided to members of the ship's crew. The welfare of individuals remains Defence's priority, and support is ongoing.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“As the matter is currently under investigation and to protect the privacy of the affected individuals, Defence is unable to provide further comment at this time.” Authorities have not publicly confirmed whether any footage was recorded or distributed online. The investigation is ongoing, and further details have not been released.</p>

A hidden recording device discovered aboard Australian Navy ship HMAS Leeuwin has prompted an investigation after a senator raised concerns about female sailors' privacy

A hidden video recording device has been discovered inside a cabin aboard an Australian Navy ship, triggering an investigation by the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The device was found on Sunday aboard HMAS Leeuwin in Cairns, Queensland, the ADF confirmed. The confirmation followed concerns raised in parliament by independent Australian senator Jacqui Lambie, a former military veteran and defence advocate. Lambie said she had been contacted by personnel who alleged that concealed cameras have recently been found in the female sailors' showers facilities. Australia's Defence Department has not confirmed whether the device was discovered in a female-only area. The incident has been referred to the Joint Military Police Unit for investigation. Speaking in the Australian Senate on Wednesday, Lambie raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding the discovery and the possibility that recordings may have been shared without the knowledge of those filmed. “I was also told this had occurred recently and prevented the vessel from sailing while investigations were ongoing. Even more disturbing are claims that footage from these cameras may have been uploaded online before the cameras were discovered. 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? These are the questions today I ask navy." Also Read: 'Leakers should be shot': Trump rages over leak of US military plans to attack Iran, slams media Later on Wednesday, the Defence Department confirmed that it had been notified of a video recording device found in a cabin aboard HMAS Leeuwin. However, it did not disclose the precise location where the device was discovered. "Defence takes this incident extremely seriously and does not tolerate unacceptable behaviour in any form," the department said in its statement. "The ship remained alongside to enable the investigation and ensure immediate support was provided to members of the ship's crew. The welfare of individuals remains Defence's priority, and support is ongoing. “As the matter is currently under investigation and to protect the privacy of the affected individuals, Defence is unable to provide further comment at this time.” Authorities have not publicly confirmed whether any footage was recorded or distributed online. The investigation is ongoing, and further details have not been released.

<p>A hidden recording device found aboard Australian Navy ship HMAS Leeuwin has triggered an investigation amid concerns over sailors' privacy</p>

Hidden video recording device found on Australian Navy ship amid claims of secret filming

<p>Australia, on Tuesday (Feb 20) outlined its decade-long plan and announced a major overhaul of the Navy’s surface combatant fleet saying that it would more than double the number of warships as well as add six large and “optionally crewed” naval vessels heavily armed with missiles as a part of the new $11 billion reshaping of the country’s naval forces.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Australia’s plan for its Navy</h2>

<p>Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s government announced a major overhaul of the country’s Navy which includes the acquisition of six new large optionally crewed surface vessels (LOSVs) which can be operated remotely by a support vessel and would be heavily armed with missiles.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Australia to double fleet of Warships by 2034</strong></p>

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<p>Under the sweeping overhaul, Australia will have 26 combat-ready warships up from the current fleet of 11 ships. “It is the largest fleet that we will have since the end of the Second World War,” said Defence Minister Richard Marles.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also&nbsp;cited concerns over rising geopolitical tensions amid&nbsp;competition between the United States, its allies and China&nbsp;in the Asia-Pacific region.</p>

<p>Canberra has also reduced its order of Hunter-class frigates from nine to six, according to the new plan “Enhanced Lethality Surface Combatant Fleet.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>The new fleet would include three upgraded Hobart-class destroyers, 11 new general-purpose frigates to replace six remaining Anzac-class frigates, six new LOSVs and 25 minor war vessels, including six Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs).</p>

<p>The Hunter class frigates will be built at the Osborne shipyard in South Australia, said Australia’s Department of Defence in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The announcement also comes after the government received an independent analysis, led by the retired US&nbsp;Navy Vice-Admiral William Hilarides, which found that the current and planned surface combatant fleet was “not appropriate for the strategic environment we face, noting it is the oldest fleet Navy has operated in its history”.</p>

<p>The independent analysis also urged the Albanese government for “immediate implementation” of the overhaul citing the threat to Australia’s national security.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/meet-ashwin-ramaswami-first-gen-z-indian-american-democrat-vying-for-georgia-senate-seat-691843">Meet Ashwin Ramaswami, first Gen Z Indian-American Democrat vying for Georgia Senate seat</a></strong></p>

<p>Australia’s oldest currently serving warship, HMAS Anzac, as per the plan, will be immediately decommissioned ahead of the gradual replacement of the ageing Anzac-class fleet with new frigates.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Australia increases defence spending</strong></h2>

<p>To implement the shake-up to the current Australian navy fleet, the government has announced an additional $1.7 billion over the forward estimates and $11.1 billion over the next decade in defence for “accelerated delivery” for the navy’s future surface combatant fleet and to expand the country’s shipbuilding industry.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-expresses-concerns-after-china-targets-its-divers-with-sonar-pulses-659933">Australia expresses concerns after China targets its divers with sonar pulses</a></strong></p>

<p>The total cost of the plan over the next decade would amount to $54 billion. The plan would also see Australia increase its defence spending to 2.4 per cent of its gross domestic product (GDP), above the two per cent target set by its NATO allies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“This will be the largest surface combatant force we’ve operated in generations. It will also be, in time, the most lethal,” said Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Australia, on Tuesday (Feb 20) outlined its decade-long plan and announced a major overhaul of the Navy’s surface combatant fleet saying that it would more than double the number of warships as well as add six large and “optionally crewed” naval vessels heavily armed with missiles as a part of the new $11 billion reshaping of the country’s naval forces.

Australia, on Tuesday (Feb 20) outlined its decade-long plan and announced a major overhaul of the Navy’s surface combatant fleet saying that it would more than double the number of warships as well as add six large and “optionally crewed” naval vessels heavily armed with missiles as a part of the new $11 billion reshaping of the country’s naval forces. Australia’s plan for its Navy Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s government announced a major overhaul of the country’s Navy which includes the acquisition of six new large optionally crewed surface vessels (LOSVs) which can be operated remotely by a support vessel and would be heavily armed with missiles. WATCH | Australia to double fleet of Warships by 2034 Under the sweeping overhaul, Australia will have 26 combat-ready warships up from the current fleet of 11 ships. “It is the largest fleet that we will have since the end of the Second World War,” said Defence Minister Richard Marles. He also cited concerns over rising geopolitical tensions amid competition between the United States, its allies and China in the Asia-Pacific region. Canberra has also reduced its order of Hunter-class frigates from nine to six, according to the new plan “Enhanced Lethality Surface Combatant Fleet.” The new fleet would include three upgraded Hobart-class destroyers, 11 new general-purpose frigates to replace six remaining Anzac-class frigates, six new LOSVs and 25 minor war vessels, including six Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs). The Hunter class frigates will be built at the Osborne shipyard in South Australia, said Australia’s Department of Defence in a statement. The announcement also comes after the government received an independent analysis, led by the retired US Navy Vice-Admiral William Hilarides, which found that the current and planned surface combatant fleet was “not appropriate for the strategic environment we face, noting it is the oldest fleet Navy has operated in its history”. The independent analysis also urged the Albanese government for “immediate implementation” of the overhaul citing the threat to Australia’s national security. Also Read | Meet Ashwin Ramaswami, first Gen Z Indian-American Democrat vying for Georgia Senate seat Australia’s oldest currently serving warship, HMAS Anzac, as per the plan, will be immediately decommissioned ahead of the gradual replacement of the ageing Anzac-class fleet with new frigates. Australia increases defence spending To implement the shake-up to the current Australian navy fleet, the government has announced an additional $1.7 billion over the forward estimates and $11.1 billion over the next decade in defence for “accelerated delivery” for the navy’s future surface combatant fleet and to expand the country’s shipbuilding industry. Also Read | Australia expresses concerns after China targets its divers with sonar pulses The total cost of the plan over the next decade would amount to $54 billion. The plan would also see Australia increase its defence spending to 2.4 per cent of its gross domestic product (GDP), above the two per cent target set by its NATO allies. “This will be the largest surface combatant force we’ve operated in generations. It will also be, in time, the most lethal,” said Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond. (With inputs from agencies)

Australia announces navy overhaul to build biggest fleet since World War II

<p>The Indian government said on Friday they are focussing&nbsp;on&nbsp;repatriating&nbsp;bodies of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/18-indians-among-23-dead-in-lpg-tanker-blast-in-sudan-266258">Indian workers </a>who lost their lives in a fire tragedy in Sudan.</p>

<p>"We are in contact with the families of six Indians who have lost their lives in Sudan. Our efforts will also be focused on how to repatriate bodies of those died," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokeperson Raveesh Kumar said.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Raveesh Kumar: We are in contact with the families of 6 Indian who have lost their lives in Sudan. Our efforts will also be focused how to repatriate bodies of those who have lost their lives.</p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1202908490802483200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Kumar also said that 58 Indian workers were working in the factory. Six Indian workers were killed in the incident. Eight Indians are getting treated in the hospital, 11 are unidentified and 33 are safe, Kumar added.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Raveesh Kumar, MEA: 58 Indian workers were working at the factory in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sudan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Sudan</a>. 6 Indian workers were killed in the incident. 8 Indians are in hospital and 11 people are unidentified. 33 Indians are safe. <a href="https://t.co/Kx1X1VPmZQ">pic.twitter.com/Kx1X1VPmZQ</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1202907086713024512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>On Tuesday, a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-23-killed-over-130-injured-as-massive-fire-engulfs-factory-in-sudan-266029">ceramic factory </a>was enguled in massive fire in Sudanese capital Khartoum, when an oil tanker exploded while unloading, killing 23 workers. On Wednesday, the Indian embassy claimed that 18 Indians are killed in the incident. However, they added that the figures are not confirmed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed his anguish over the fire accident. He also said that the Indian embassy in Sudan is providing all sorts of help to the ones affected in the incident.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Anguished by the blast in a ceramic factory in Sudan, where some Indian workers have lost their lives and some are injured. My thoughts are with the bereaved families and prayers with the injured," PM Modi tweeted.</p>

<p>External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, in a tweet, also expressed his grief over the tragedy on Wednesday, adding that the Indian embassy representative has rushed to the spot and a 24-hour hotline has been set by the embassy of India Khartoum.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the day of the blast, the Sudanese administration said that the preliminary investigation suggests that the necessary fire safety equipment were missing from the factory and the inflammable factory materials were improperly stored that aggravated the fire.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The Indian government said on Friday they are focussing on repatriating bodies of the Indian workers who lost their lives in a fire tragedy in Sudan. "We are in contact with the families of six Indians who have lost their lives in Sudan.

The Indian government said on Friday they are focussing on repatriating bodies of the Indian workers who lost their lives in a fire tragedy in Sudan. "We are in contact with the families of six Indians who have lost their lives in Sudan. Our efforts will also be focused on how to repatriate bodies of those died," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokeperson Raveesh Kumar said. Raveesh Kumar: We are in contact with the families of 6 Indian who have lost their lives in Sudan. Our efforts will also be focused how to repatriate bodies of those who have lost their lives. — ANI (@ANI) December 6, 2019 × Kumar also said that 58 Indian workers were working in the factory. Six Indian workers were killed in the incident. Eight Indians are getting treated in the hospital, 11 are unidentified and 33 are safe, Kumar added. Raveesh Kumar, MEA: 58 Indian workers were working at the factory in #Sudan. 6 Indian workers were killed in the incident. 8 Indians are in hospital and 11 people are unidentified. 33 Indians are safe. pic.twitter.com/Kx1X1VPmZQ — ANI (@ANI) December 6, 2019 × On Tuesday, a ceramic factory was enguled in massive fire in Sudanese capital Khartoum, when an oil tanker exploded while unloading, killing 23 workers. On Wednesday, the Indian embassy claimed that 18 Indians are killed in the incident. However, they added that the figures are not confirmed. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed his anguish over the fire accident. He also said that the Indian embassy in Sudan is providing all sorts of help to the ones affected in the incident. "Anguished by the blast in a ceramic factory in Sudan, where some Indian workers have lost their lives and some are injured. My thoughts are with the bereaved families and prayers with the injured," PM Modi tweeted. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, in a tweet, also expressed his grief over the tragedy on Wednesday, adding that the Indian embassy representative has rushed to the spot and a 24-hour hotline has been set by the embassy of India Khartoum. On the day of the blast, the Sudanese administration said that the preliminary investigation suggests that the necessary fire safety equipment were missing from the factory and the inflammable factory materials were improperly stored that aggravated the fire.

From sex scandals to ship dancing: Australia's embarrassing woes continue

Australian military assisted fire emergency and rescue personnel on Thursday (January 2) in Australia's south-east state of Victoria, where 50 fires are currently burning.

Australian military brings aid to fire-stricken communities in Victoria state

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Hidden video recording device found on Australian Navy ship amid claims of secret filming

Australia announces navy overhaul to build biggest fleet since World War II

From sex scandals to ship dancing: Australia's embarrassing woes continue

Australian military brings aid to fire-stricken communities in Victoria state