Gold Coast giant in child sex abuse shame
Gold Coast-headquartered childcare giant G8 Education is embroiled in a child sexual abuse scandal in Victoria.
The Varsity Lakes-based company, which is Australia’s second largest provider of childcare services, is reeling after a former employee was charged with more than 70 offences involving victims aged between five months and two years of age.
Victoria police allege Point Cook man Joshua Brown sexually assaulted infants and children at a childcare centre in the western suburbs of Melbourne.
The 70 alleged offences include sexual activity in the presence of a child, sexual assault of a child and possessing child abuse material for use through a carriage service.
Brown worked at 20 childcare centres in Melbourne between January 2017 and May 2025, and Victorian health authorities are now recommending that 1200 children who have attended the centres be screened for infectious diseases.
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.
In a statement G8 Education said the safety and wellbeing of every child in its care was its highest priority.
“We are aware that a former G8 Education team member has been charged with offences involving children,’’ the company said.
“These allegations are serious in nature and are extremely distressing. We are focussed on supporting all those impacted not just at our centres, but across the community.
“Aligned with G8 Education’s commitment to child safety and protection, during the former team member’s employment, all required employment and background checks, including Working With Children Checks, were current in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements.
“The individual involved in this matter is no longer employed by G8 Education and is in police custody.
“We are cooperating fully with Victoria Police, the Victorian Government and other relevant authorities as part of the investigation. We are committed to supporting the legal process in every way we can.
“G8 Education has no tolerance for any behaviour that compromises the safety or wellbeing of children.
“As this is now a legal matter, we are unable to comment further on the specifics of the case. “
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said she was “sickened” by the reports.
“My heart just breaks for the families who are living every parent’s worst nightmare,” she said.
“Every health and mental health support will be provided to these families.”
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