G8’s profit jumps despite sex abuse scandal

Gold Coast-headquartered childcare giant G8 Education has reported a 12 per cent jump in net profit $22 million despite being embroiled in child sexual abuse scandal in Victoria.

The Varsity Lakes-based company, which is Australia’s second largest provider of childcare services, says it is committed “upholding the highest standards of governance and social responsibility”.

A former employee, who worked at 20 childcare centres in Melbourne between January 2017 and May 2025, was charged with more than 70 offences involved victims aged between five months and two years of age.

The 70 alleged offences include sexual activity in presence of a child, sexual assault of a child and possessing child abuse material for use through a carriage service.

G8 Education Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Pejman Okhovat said child safety was embedded into every aspect of our leadership, values and operations.

“We are continuously reviewing and strengthening our practices to ensure transparency, accountability, and trust,” Mr Okhovat said.

“We would like to acknowledge the profound impact the situation in Victoria has had on our community. The allegations are deeply upsetting, and our hearts go out to the children and families affected.

“Please know that the safety and wellbeing of every child in our care is, and always will be, our highest priority. We recognise that safeguarding children is not just a regulatory obligation, it is an ethical and social licence imperative.

“Our families and team members are at the heart of everything we do. A continued focus on our key strategic priorities has led to further improvements in team retention and NPS.

“We remain committed to enhancing family experience by delivering value-added educational programming and care, while investing in the ongoing development of our people to strengthen workforce capability.”

G8 Education owns more than 400 early childhood education and care centres throughout Australia, catering to more than 40,000 children. In Melbourne alone, G8 owns more than 50 childcare centres.