Australian man worked with kids for 8 years. Now he’s facing over 70 sex abuse charges

Police have identified a second centre in the northern suburbs where assaults must have taken place and are prioritising investigations there. More than 270 Crimestoppers reports have been assessed to verify Brown’s work history, and families whose children may have come into contact with him are being contacted.

The investigation was launched proactively after child abuse material was discovered and not as a result of a specific complaint. “We didn’t have [an alleged] victim for quite some time,” said police commander Janet Stevenson.

Brown has been charged with multiple offences including:

– Sexual penetration of a child under 12
– Attempted sexual penetration of a child under 12
– Sexual assault of a child under 16
– Producing child abuse material using a carriage service

The Department of Health in Victoria has recommended that at least 1,200 children undergo testing for infectious diseases, with the number of potentially affected children now exceeding 2,000 as more centres and employment dates are added to the investigation.

In information provided to parents, recommended tests include screening for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis. The health department clarified that all infections being tested for can be treated with antibiotics. Children who have already been tested will not require additional screening.

Several affected families are being offered a $5,000 payment to help cover the cost of alternative care and other support needs during the period.

Families are being contacted first via SMS and then through follow-up calls. The health department is urging families to consult the updated list of centres and dates before calling its advice line.

Victoria’s Chief Health Officer, Dr Christian McGrath, confirmed that more than 2,600 families have been contacted so far.

Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan described the revelations as “sickening and shocking.” She said the government is reviewing current hiring practices and will announce new measures next month to strengthen the screening process for those seeking employment in childcare.

“This is every parent’s worst nightmare,” Allan said. “We will do everything in our power to ensure such a tragedy does not happen again.”