Victorian Educator Denies Abuse Allegations, Appeals Industry Ban

A male childcare worker in Victoria, identified only as "Peter" for legal reasons, has publicly denied allegations of sexually abusing toddlers and is appealing a ban imposed by the Victorian Education Department. The case has sparked widespread concern over regulatory failures and child safety protocols in early childhood education.

Peter worked at nine childcare centres in the Ballarat region, including five operated by Goodstart Early Learning. Between 2023 and 2024, he was accused of sexual misconduct and physical violence involving eight girls aged 12 months to four years and one primary school-aged girl.

The Victorian Education Department banned Peter from working in education in December 2024. However, due to a miscommunication, he remained unaware of the ban for four months and retained a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) until August 2025.

Documents from the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal and the Children and Young People's Commissioner include disturbing disclosures from children, such as inappropriate touching and grooming behaviors. Despite the seriousness of the allegations, Victoria Police found insufficient evidence to pursue criminal charges.

Peter admitted to one incident of hugging and tickling a child against her consent, which was classified as sexual misconduct. He claims other allegations were misinterpreted and maintains his innocence.

Goodstart Early Learning is under investigation for failing to report complaints about Peter for nearly a year. Since the case became public, the organization has installed CCTV cameras in all Ballarat centres and appointed an external investigator.

A spokesperson for Goodstart acknowledged that the processes in place did not adequately support child safety and confirmed that affected families were contacted progressively.

Law firm Arnold Thomas & Becker is preparing to seek compensation for affected families and is exploring a potential class action. Hundreds of families across Victoria have reportedly come forward with similar allegations involving various childcare providers.

Parents of children who attended centres where Peter worked expressed outrage over the handling of the case. One father described Peter as a “narcissistic predator” and called for a formal inquiry into systemic failures.

Peter’s WWCC was permanently revoked in August 2025. He is currently appealing both the revocation and the education department’s ban, though he has expressed doubt about returning to childcare work due to the emotional toll and public scrutiny.

Reference:
Victorian Childcare Worker Denies Abusing Toddlers, Says He Is Appealing Ban