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3w ago

More Than 100 Families Launch Civil Actions as Childcare Overhaul Intensifies

Swift policy changes aim to strengthen background screening through unannounced inspections after allegations against Joshua Dale Brown.

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Recent allegations of child sexual abuse have put the childcare sector under renewed scrutiny, with some calling for male workers to be banned. Others say it's a knee-jerk reaction and "fear-driven policies" won't result in better outcomes.

Overview

  • Joshua Dale Brown remains in custody ahead of a September court date after being charged with more than 70 offences against infants at a Point Cook centre.
  • The federal government will introduce legislation later this month to allow warrantless spot checks of childcare centres and tighten working-with-children clearances.
  • Victorian authorities have urged about 1,200 families to seek precautionary STI testing and are conducting safety reviews at 20 centres where Brown was employed.
  • Over 100 families have contacted Arnold Thomas & Becker for civil advice, with the firm filing the first claim against national operator G8 Education.
  • Male educators report heightened scrutiny and some providers have barred men from duties such as nappy changing amid calls for gender-based restrictions.