Trigger warning: This article contains references to alleged child sexual abuse that may be distressing to some readers.
The Victorian childcare sector and broader community are reeling following deeply distressing allegations against childcare worker Joshua Brown, who has been charged with 70 offences related to the sexual abuse of young children. The alleged victims range in age from just five months to two years old. Equally confronting is the fact that Brown worked at approximately 20 childcare centres over an eight-year period—while holding a valid Working With Children Check (WWCC). For many parents, this represents their greatest fear realised.
In the aftermath of these revelations, families, educators, employers and policymakers alike are grappling with urgent questions: How could this happen? What safeguards failed? And most importantly—what must change to ensure children are truly safe?
The Policy Response: Immediate Actions Underway
In response, the Victorian Government has announced swift and significant reforms. Premier Jacinta Allan and Government Services Minister Natalie Hutchins outlined a series of actions aimed at bolstering child safety in early learning environments, including:
- A ban on personal electronic devices in childcare centres from September 2025; and
- An urgent safety review of the childcare sector, including consideration of mandatory CCTV installation.
Additionally, reforms to strengthen the WWCC system are underway. While these measures are welcomed, they also highlight the limitations of relying solely on screening mechanisms. As those working in child safety know too well, WWWC checks—while critical—cannot identify individuals who have not previously come into contact with the justice system or who may have hidden harmful behaviours.
Legal Implications: A Heightened Duty of Care
In jurisdictions such as Victoria and New South Wales, a ‘reverse onus’ legal standard applies to organisations working with children. If abuse occurs, the organisation must prove it took all reasonable steps to prevent it. This legal framework underlines the need for childcare providers to act proactively and comprehensively—not only to meet their legal obligations, but to uphold the trust families place in them every day.
With a national review of safety standards likely to take months, early years providers must ask themselves: What can we do right now to better protect children in our care?
Six Immediate Steps to Enhance Child Safety in Early Childhood Settings
These recommendations are designed not only for childcare providers, but for any organisation engaging with children, including schools, sport and recreation providers, disability service providers, religious institutions, and sporting organisations.
1. Review and Refresh Your Child Safety Policy, Procedure and Code of Conduct
Your organisation’s Child Safety Policy and Code of Conduct must be current, comprehensive, practical and easy to understand. The Code should clearly outline acceptable and unacceptable behaviours and explicitly address online conduct and the use of social media. Policies should define clear responsibilities across all levels—from board to frontline staff—and procedures should include actionable steps for reporting and responding to concerns.
2. Actively Communicate Your Commitment to Child Safety
Policies and procedures alone are not enough. A strong culture of child safety requires regular, visible communication from leadership. Reinforce your zero-tolerance approach to abuse through staff meetings, induction programs, and ongoing engagement. Make sure your messaging is inclusive and tailored to reflect the needs of children with disabilities and diverse backgrounds.
3. Deliver Targeted, Effective Child Safety Training
All staff, board members and volunteers must understand their obligations and how to respond to child safety concerns. While compliance-focused training may tick boxes, best practice involves scenario-based, contextualised learning that empowers staff to respond confidently and appropriately. Regular refresher training ensures that awareness remains high. Early Learning Centres (ELCs) in schools, Ministerial Order 1359 requires tailored annual training and information on specific child safety topics for staff, volunteers and board members.
4. Strengthen Recruitment and Screening Processes
Effective safeguarding begins at recruitment. While WWCCs are vital, they are not foolproof. Ensure all candidates undergo thorough interviews, reference checks, and screening that assesses their values and attitudes towards child safety. For Early Learning Centres (ELCs) in schools, Ministerial Order 1359 requires ongoing evaluation of staff suitability—a best practice all providers should adopt.
5. Conduct a Risk Assessment of Your Environment
Identify potential vulnerabilities in your physical and operational environment. Are there ignorance zones in your facility? Are staff properly onboarded? Do staffing levels support adequate supervision, particularly during break times? Proactively identifying and mitigating risks is a cornerstone of a strong safeguarding approach.
6. Engage Your Board in Child Safety Oversight
Boards have a non-delegable duty to ensure effective child safety systems are in place. This requires more than rubber-stamping policies—it demands active oversight, regular reporting, and a clear flow of information from operational leaders. Board members should receive specialised training and ensure that child safety remains a standing agenda item.
How We Support Organisations in Keeping Children Safe
At Moores, our Safeguarding and Child Safety teams work alongside organisations to ensure their child safety frameworks are robust, compliant, and reflective of best practice. Our experienced team supports clients to:
- Review and update Child Safety Policies and Codes of Conduct;
- Respond effectively to allegations of child abuse;
- Navigate investigations and compliance obligations; and
- Develop practical, preventative strategies that promote a culture of child safety.
We also provide tailored training for staff, boards, and child safety officers to ensure all individuals understand their role in protecting children.
The Need for Vigilance and Leadership
The events unfolding in Victoria are a tragic and urgent reminder of what is at stake. As leaders in the education and care sector, our responsibility is not only to comply with the law, but to continuously challenge and improve the systems that protect our most vulnerable. Real child safety requires more than policy—it demands vigilance, leadership, and a relentless commitment to doing better.
Contact us
If you would like to discuss how we can support your organisation, our team is here to help. Please contact Skye Rose or Tal Shmerling if you would like further support.
Subscribe to our email updates and receive our articles directly in your inbox.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and is not intended to constitute legal advice. You should seek legal advice regarding the application of the law to you or your organisation.