There are mounting calls for a national inquiry into Australia's childcare sector after a Victorian worker was charged with dozens of child sexual abuse offences. Victoria police announced on Tuesday that Point Cook resident Joshua Brown, 26, had been charged with more than 70 offences relating to eight alleged victims aged between five months and two years. More than 1,200 children will now be tested for infectious diseases following the charges.
While Brown is yet to enter a plea and the allegations have not been tested in court, parent advocacy groups, politicians, and the child protection organisation Bravehearts have called for a national review of child protection protocols. They are urging more rigorous screening, monitoring, and reporting systems in childcare settings.
Professor Michael Salter, director of Childlight UNSW, said Australia faces significant challenges in investigating and prosecuting the sexual abuse of very young children. He emphasised the need for a national inquiry into child maltreatment in childcare, stating that regulation is a major issue, including enforcement of quality standards and ensuring adequate staffing levels.
National children's commissioner Anne Hollonds told the ABC that the system has 'absolutely' failed families, adding that 'child safety and wellbeing is not a priority in this country'. The Greens are calling for a royal commission into safety and equality in early childhood education, while Liberal senator Jonno Duniam urged the government to urgently review Australia's child safety safeguards.
