A routine inspection this morning of on-base accommodation in HMAS Cerberus resulted in suspected hazardous material being located in a residential unit.
As a precaution, a 400 metre safety zone was established around the accommodation block.
Victoria Police attended the scene and assessed that there was no suspicious material. However, there were some hazardous items identified which Defence does not permit to be stored in on-base accommodation.
A Defence member was taken for questioning by Victoria Police, but was later released without charge.
All restrictions on the movement of personnel around the base have now been lifted and activities at the base have returned to normal.
Defence is providing support to the member who was questioned.
Defence appreciates the assistance of Victoria Police to respond to, and resolve this matter quickly.
Media contact:
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999
Issued by Ministerial and Executive Coordination and Communication,
Department of Defence,
Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6127 1999 Fax: 02 6265 6946
