- The Royal Australian Navy has launched an inquiry and sent a group of sailors home after they allegedly challenged each other to have sex with as many female crewmates as possible.

The sailors allegedly detailed their plot in a document called "The Ledger" where dollar values were placed on each woman's head, during an overseas deployment in May, the Seven Network reports.

Sailors sent home amid sex scandal>> 

An alleged contest among sailors to have sex with as many female crewmates as possible needs to be fully investigated by the Australian Defence Force, Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard says.

Ms Gillard said nothing should preclude women from enjoying a full and rewarding career in the Australian Defence Force.

A group of sailors from HMAS Success was sent home and an inquiry launched after they allegedly organised a challenge to have sex with as many female crewmates as possible.

"Obviously this is a matter for our defence forces to deal with and to fully investigate," Ms Gillard told Network Ten on Sunday.

She said both the government and the nation had been saying for a long time that women should be able to join the army, the navy or air force.

"We don't want to see anything that precludes women from having a good career in our armed forces if that is what they choose to do with their lives. Clearly these allegations need to be fully investigated," she said.

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