Health response to childcare assault allegations

More than 1000 children have been recommended to undergo infectious disease screening as Victoria Police investigates allegations of sexual assault against children at a Melbourne childcare centre.
 
In response, the Victorian Health Department and RACGP Victoria Chair Dr Anita Muñoz will host a webinar for GPs on Thursday 3 July.
 
The webinar will cover details of the case including locations affected, required testing, the role of a dedicated hotline in triaging testing, mandatory reporting to child protection, and key supports and services for affected children, families and GPs caring for them. 
 
The Health Department and Victoria Police have contacted families whose children attended childcare centres while the alleged offender was employed, including those who may have been exposed to an infectious disease.
 
Parents have been told they can also book an appointment directly with a GP for testing.
 
‘We acknowledge this matter may still be distressing for you and your families and encourage anyone with further health concerns to contact their GP,’ says official advice.
 
On Tuesday, Victoria Police announced that, on 12 May, detectives arrested and charged a 26-year-old childcare worker with more than 70 offences, including sexual assault against children.
 
The charges relate to eight children, who were placed at a Point Cook childcare centre between April 2022 and January 2023.
 
Detectives have since established the man worked at 20 childcare centres between January 2017 and May 2025 and are examining allegations of offending at a second childcare centre.
 
A full list of the childcare centres where the alleged offender worked is available online and a dedicated advice line, 1800 791 241, will advise whether a child is recommended for testing.
 
In response to the ‘complex and distressing matter’, a public health response has been stood up and the Victorian Government has set up a website with further health information for impacted families.
 
Victoria Police Crime Command Acting Commander Janet Stevenson described the investigation as ‘incredibly distressing and confronting’, saying members of the community will feel enormously concerned.
 
‘The most important thing for our investigators was that we needed to identify the victims involved,’ she said.
 
‘These are some of the most vulnerable members of our community and the conversations police have had to have with their families were no doubt life changing in the worst possible way.
 
‘Detectives have been working alongside a range of agencies during this investigation to ensure as much information has been provided to impacted parties as soon as possible.’
 
The alleged offender remains in custody and is due to appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court on 15 September.
 
The RACGP webinar will be held on Thursday 3 July, 7.00–8.00 pm. Members can register online.
  
Any RACGP member who is caring for involved families, works in impacted communities, or for whom this case causes distress is encouraged to call the RACGP Victoria Faculty for support. 
 
If you, or anyone you know, needs support, the RACGP GP support program offers free, confidential, specialist support to GPs to help them cope with professional and personal stressors impacting their mental health and wellbeing.
 
DRS4DRS also provides free and confidential support and resources to doctors and medical students across Australia.
 
Log in below to join the conversation.

Victoria Police