'Bizarre' video shows dancers twerking at the Commissioning of a new Australian Navy ship in Sydney

A group of stunned officials did not know where to look as a group of scantily clad dancers twerked toward them during celebrations to mark the official launch of a new warship.

The commissioning of the HMAS Supply in Wooloomoolo, Sydney, was attended by the Governor-General, members of Parliament and the chief of Navy on Saturday.

A Liberal backbencher slammed the decision to commission the dance, and the choice of entertainment was met with bewilderment on social media. 

New Navy ship HMAS Supply has been launched by a group of scantily clad women twerking

Videos from the event show seven women doing a choregraphed routine while dressed in black booty shorts and red crop tops and berets.  

Former soldier and Liberal MP Phillip Thompson told the ABC the entertainment was inappropriate for the occasion.   

‘Standards in the ADF, and definitely when commissioning a ship, should be a little bit higher than that,’ he said. 

‘We’ve got the CDF, we’ve got members of Parliament there, and the Governor-General’s there, I don’t think it’s appropriate to be twerking.’

It is unknown whether the entertainers were paid by the Navy.  

The launch was attended by officials including the Governor-General and the head of the Navy

Some commenters on social media agreed the dance move was too suggestive for an official government event. 

‘Doesn’t matter who the girls are, this is not appropriate,’ one person said.

‘At a time when we are promoting the rights of women to not be objectified, there are other dance moves that would be fun and equally energetic.’ 

Other commenters found the incident ‘bizarre.’

‘I would flat out not believe you if the HMAS Supply banner wasn’t visible in the background. This is… too strange,’ said one.

‘It’s an interpretive dance, telling the story of how the Navy has no budget to put on proper entertainment for this ship launch after spending all their money on submarines,’ another joked.  

Defence said the dance was arranged as an effort to engage with the local community

A defence spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia the dance was arranged to engage with the local community and preceded the formal part of the ceremony.  

‘HMAS Supply and the Royal Australian Navy are committed to working with Australians from all backgrounds in actively supporting local charities and community groups,’ they said. 

‘The dance was performed prior to the commencement of the Commissioning formalities and prior to the arrival of His Excellency the Governor General, Chief of Navy and Commander Australian Fleet.’