Overview

• Joshua Dale Brown remains in custody awaiting a September court appearance on more than 70 alleged sexual offences against eight infants at the Creative Garden centre.
• Victorian health authorities have urged about 1,200 children who attended the centre during the alleged offending period to undergo STI screenings.
• Two substantiated investigations in April 2023 and January 2024 into Brown’s aggressive conduct did not prompt review or suspension of his Working With Children Check.
• The government’s rapid review will examine reforms to the Reportable Conduct Scheme, potential automatic clearance suspensions and stricter reporting requirements.
• Child advocates and opposition figures are calling for a national educator register, unannounced inspections and mandatory CCTV to prevent future oversight failures.