Australian childcare Giant to install CCTV amid scandal

English , International - بین الاقوامی , Snippets , / Thursday, July 10th, 2025

Download this post as PDF

rki.news
MELBOURNE, July 10 – G8 Education, one of Australia’s largest private childcare providers, will fast-track the installation of CCTV across more than 400 centres following disturbing allegations of child sexual abuse by an employee.
Joshua Dale Brown, 26, faces over 70 charges, including child rape, linked to alleged offences against eight children at a Melbourne centre operated by G8 between 2022 and 2023. Investigators say he worked at 20 centres, some outside G8’s network, since 2017. As a precaution, health authorities have asked the families of approximately 1,200 children who were in his care to undergo infectious disease testing.
G8 Managing Director Pejman Okhovat described the allegations as “deeply disturbing” and extended an apology to affected families. “Our priority is to support the families impacted, as well as our team members in Victoria,” he said.
Alongside the accelerated CCTV rollout, G8 will allow parents and carers to nominate which staff members can assist their children with toileting and nappy changes. The company has pledged to comply with privacy laws, child safety protocols, and data security standards.
An independent review will also be commissioned once legal proceedings conclude. However, concerns remain about the effectiveness of surveillance. Child protection experts warn that CCTV alone is not a solution and could create a false sense of security if not managed properly.
Professor Daryl Higgins and former detective Kristi McVee emphasized the need for broader reforms, such as stronger hiring checks and increased staff ratios. Meanwhile, early education experts raised concerns over potential gender discrimination resulting from the new parental choice policy.
Brown remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court in September. He has yet to enter a plea. State and federal authorities have promised tighter regulations across the childcare sector.