Affinity Education to Install CCTV Across Centres Following Charges Against Former Childcare Worker

Affinity Education Group, one of Australia’s largest childcare providers, has announced it will install CCTV cameras in all its centres after serious criminal charges were laid against a former employee, Joshua Dale Brown. Brown, a 26-year-old Melbourne childcare worker, has been charged with allegedly sexually abusing infants and young children in his care. He worked at 10 of the 20 Victorian childcare centres identified in the state government’s investigation. In a statement released Friday afternoon, Affinity’s Chief Executive Officer, Tim Hickey, expressed profound concern: “I am deeply

Affinity Education Group, one of Australia’s largest childcare providers, has announced it will install CCTV cameras in all its centres after serious criminal charges were laid against a former employee, Joshua Dale Brown. Brown, a 26-year-old Melbourne childcare worker, has been charged with allegedly sexually abusing infants and young children in his care. He worked at 10 of the 20 Victorian childcare centres identified in the state government’s investigation. In a statement released Friday afternoon, Affinity’s Chief Executive Officer, Tim Hickey, expressed profound concern: “I am deeply sorry for the distress this is causing our families – no family should have to go through this,” he said. “We are committed to supporting every family impacted and will continue to cooperate fully with the authorities as the investigation continues.” Hickey said Affinity Education Group welcomed regulatory reviews that would bolster safety standards and increase accountability in early childhood education. “Our educators and staff share the deep concern over failings when they occur in the early childhood education and care sector. The safety, wellbeing, and development of every child must always come first.” The company reiterated its “zero-tolerance approach to any form of abuse or misconduct involving children,” stating the “safety and wellbeing of every child in our care is – and always will be – our highest priority.” In response to the incident, Affinity confirmed it is enhancing safety protocols across its centres. These include installing CCTV systems in all childcare facilities, seeking input from parents regarding which staff assist their children with toileting and nappy changes, and introducing lock boxes for personal devices to ensure greater security within learning environments.