The former chief of Australia’s navy has been criticised after proposing to his girlfriend during an overnight voyage.

Vice Admiral Michael Noonan used his senior position to grant his partner Samantha Heighway approval to board the HMAS Waller on June 23 last year.

Shadow Assistant Minister for Defence Phillip Thompson told Mark Levy it was a clear abuse of power.

“The issue is that a sailor or solider couldn’t do this, the chief has used his senior position to take advantage.”

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