Melbourne, July 05: The Royal Australian Navy says it will not tolerate misconduct from its members, following allegations of a sex betting ring operating onboard an Australian Navy vessel.
The Navy has confirmed four members of the HMAS Success’s company were removed from the ship in Singapore in May after female crew members made complaints about the alleged sex game.
The sailors from HMAS Success reportedly ran a contest to see who could sleep with the most female crew members.
Records were allegedly kept in a book known as ‘The Ledger’ and dollar values were placed on each woman’s head.
The sailors reportedly dared one another to have sex in numerous locations, like the top of a pool table and more money was on offer if a sailor could sleep with a female officer, or lesbian.
Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Russ Crane says the alleged behaviours are being investigated and do not align with Navy values.
“Once these allegations were made known, Navy acted immediately by removing those sailors allegedly involved in the matter from the ship and referring the matter to the independent Australian Defence Force Investigative Service (ADFIS) for action,” he said.
“Navy stands by its values and signature behaviours and will act swiftly and decisively to address allegations of unacceptable behaviour.”
“Navy has stringent policies and education programs in place to support Navy people who rightly demand and deserve a working environment free from unacceptable behaviour”.
Vice Admiral Crane says the Navy is prepared to discipline staff after the results of the inquiry are made clear.
“Navy is awaiting the results of the ADFIS investigation and will act as quickly as possible to address appropriate findings and recommendations particularly should disciplinary or administrative action be warranted,” he said.
Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard told Channel Ten that she wants a full investigation so women do not feel excluded from serving their country.
“As a nation … we’ve been saying for a long period of time we want men and women to be able to join the Army, the Navy, the Air Force and to have good careers in it,” she said.
—–Agencies