The Victorian government has instructed an immediate examination of childcare safety after allegations of child abuse by an employee. Plans to implement a state-run employee registration system, introduce fines, and possibly install CCTV in all childcare facilities have been announced, criticizing the sluggish pace of federal reform.
Joshua Dale Brown, 26, was charged in May with over 70 offenses related to eight alleged victims aged between five months and two years, who attended a childcare center in Melbourne’s western suburbs. His case became public on Tuesday, following the release of a suppression order, with authorities contacting approximately 2,600 families with children enrolled at 20 childcare centers where police believe Brown worked between January 2017 and May 2025. Of these children, about 1,200 have been advised to undergo screening for infectious diseases.
Premier Jacinta Allan stated that all Victorians are “completely horrified” by the disturbing allegations and are right to question how such offenses could occur within a childcare center. Expressing her commitment to ensuring the safety of children in childcare, Allan pledged to undertake a swift and thorough review focusing on immediate actions the state can implement. This review will draw on the work of the Commonwealth and reviews by other states and territories, assessing whether Victoria can overtake national measures, including the mandating of CCTV in childcare settings.
The minister for children, Lizzie Blandthorn, confirmed that CCTV could serve both as a deterrent and an aid for police investigations into incidents. The review will also examine the working with children checks, which the government plans to reform, with the review set to report back by August 15. Allan vowed to adopt all recommendations swiftly. Additionally, the state will establish its childcare worker registration system, with the potential for this system to merge with a future federal scheme.
All childcare centers will be required to observe the federal ban on personal devices by September 26, with non-compliance leading to fines up to $50,000.
Despite national reform efforts, Blandthorn stressed that progress has been frustratingly slow, attributed partly to the federation system and the withdrawal of federal funding for state early childhood regulators since around 2018. Nevertheless, Victoria’s regulatory body remains well-resourced, having conducted 4,700 inspections last year, with an additional 12 staff to be recruited.
The federal education minister, Jason Clare, affirmed that he will soon introduce legislation to halt federal funding to childcare centers not adhering to safety standards. Clare also mentioned that strengthening working with children checks will be a topic of discussion at a forthcoming meeting of state and federal attorneys general.
Victoria’s chief health officer, Dr. Christian McGrath, acknowledged the distressing nature of the day, mentioning the establishment of a dedicated helpline for affected families, despite recognizing long wait times. Families are encouraged to consult the government’s website for information and to contact the helpline if their children attended a center during Brown’s employment.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/jul/02/victoria-orders-urgent-childcare-safety-review-jacinta-allan-ntwnfb
