In an outcome met with collective relief, Victorian health authorities have confirmed that all 2000 children tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in connection with alleged pedophile Joshua Dale Brown have returned negative results. The tests were conducted as a precaution after Brown, charged with over 70 offenses involving children aged five months to two years, was found to have worked across 23 childcare centres over an eight-year span.

In July 2025, Australian early learning services faced a reckoning not only with child protection protocols—but with their values. The phrase “They’ve sent a male”, reportedly uttered as a relief educator arrived for shift work, revealed how fear has been weaponized in ways that quietly exclude men from the workforce.

Victoria is set to roll out a state-based Early Childhood Workforce Register this August—but sector advocates are raising red flags over critical exclusions that may undermine the very purpose of the reform.

Charged with 73 counts involving eight children aged five months to two years, Brown now faces potential additional charges, as investigators continue to compile evidence. The latest court update granted police an extension until December to finalize their hand-up brief. 

If you need to report an early childhood service, there are clear steps you can take depending on the nature of the issue and your location. Here's a breakdown to guide you:

The recent tragedy is a stark reminder that compliance alone is not enough. Despite holding a valid Working with Children Check, the alleged offender was able to exploit systemic gaps. It calls for a renewed commitment to proactive safeguarding, transparent communication, and a culture where children’s rights and voices are at the centre of everything we do. The The following article provides information on: Beyond Background Checks: Rethinking Recruitment, Active Supervision and Safe Environments, Clear Codes of Conduct, Mandatory and Ongoing Training, Empowering Children and Elevating Their Voices, Reassuring and Engaging Families, Leadership and Accountability, Advocating for Systemic Reform and more.

In light of the recent events, it's important for services to reassure families that this incident should not deter them from sending their child to care and from trusting in early childhood education. The following is a compassionate and professionally grounded sample letter that acknowledges parents’ concerns while reassuring them of your center’s commitment to safety, transparency, and trust. This letter may be used, edited, and adapted for your particular service to reassure families that their concerns are valid and their children are safe. 

With the new national child safety reforms kicking in on 1 September 2025, early childhood services like yours have a real opportunity to lead the way. Here’s a clear, practical roadmap to help you and your team feel confident and prepared:

Respiratory viruses cause illnesses that affect the nose, throat, and breathing passages, including the lungs. These viruses commonly result in mild cold- or flu-like symptoms.

Promoting the NSW Child Safe Standards involves embedding safety into every aspect of an organization or setting. The following article provides practical strategies tailored to each standard.