Navy can confirm the ship involved in the allegations of inappropriate behaviour is Anzac Class Frigate HMAS Ballarat which is currently deployed on border protection operations.
Due to its current location, Australian Defence Force Investigative Service (ADFIS) investigators will not be able to join the ship for several days.
The investigation remains in its early stages and Navy will not be in a position to make further public statements until the investigation is complete.
Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Ray Griggs said, "Allegations such as these are serious and it is critical that the investigative process is properly followed. As such I will not speculate on any aspect of the allegations.
“We have dealt with the allegations swiftly and I reiterate that inappropriate behaviour is not consistent with our values and is not tolerated in Navy.
"Navy is being as open and transparent as it can about this incident within the limitations of the investigative process."
Support services will be made available for any member of the ship’s company seeking assistance.
As previously stated, the investigation is in its early stages and no further details will be provided at this time.
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
