MELBOURNE- A former Melbourne childcare worker is now facing 156 child abuse charges after police laid an additional 83 offences on Thursday, alleging crimes against four new young victims and revealing offending may have begun as early as 2019.

The case, involving children as young as five months old, has shaken national confidence in childcare safeguards. It has triggered a rapid government response, including new mandatory 24-hour reporting rules for abuse allegations and accelerated plans for a national childcare worker register.

Police allege Joshua Dale Brown, 27, abused children at multiple centres where he was employed. The new charges include six counts of child rape, attempted rape, and the production and transmission of child abuse material. Twelve additional counts of bestiality are part of a separate, unrelated investigation. Health authorities have stated no further infectious disease testing for children is required in relation to the latest charges.

Why This Matters

This case extends beyond a single alleged offender to expose systemic vulnerabilities. Brown worked at up to 23 different childcare centres across greater Melbourne between 2017 and 2025, raising urgent questions about the effectiveness of background checks and workplace oversight.

Experts argue it highlights a persistent societal blind spot. Dr. Leanne Beagley, CEO of the National Centre, states that child sexual abuse is a contemporary crisis, with more than 1 in 3 females and almost 1 in 5 males experiencing abuse. "The idea that it only happens to some children... is a myth," she notes.

What Happened and What's Next

Brown was first arrested in May and charged with over 70 offences related to eight children. The latest charges relate to four new alleged victims at three additional centres in Point Cook (2019), Williamstown (2020/21), and Keilor (2025). Some new charges also relate to the initial eight children.

The government has established a dedicated website with Brown's employment history and support information. Affected families are eligible for a range of free, confidential counselling services and some may qualify for a $5,000 immediate needs payment.

Brown remains in custody and is next scheduled to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on February 10, 2026.

Key Facts

1. The Accused: Joshua Dale Brown, a 27-year-old former childcare worker.
2. Total Charges: 156 alleged child abuse offences.
3. Latest Charges: 83 new charges laid on December 4, 2025.
4. Alleged Victims: Now totals at least 12 children across multiple centres.
5. Alleged Offences: Include child rape, sexual assault, producing and sharing child abuse material, and bestiality.
6. Court Date: Next appearance set for February 10, 2026.

Expert Views and Systemic Impact

1. The case has acted as a catalyst for reform. In response, federal and state governments fast-tracked "tougher child safety rules". These include:
2. Mandatory 24-hour reporting of serious incidents (reduced from 7 days).
3. Stricter rules on staff use of technology and personal devices in centres.
4. Strengthened Working with Children Check schemes.
5. New powers for the federal government to strip funding from non-compliant providers.
6. Major providers have also acted. G8 Education, which owned one of the centres involved, is speeding up CCTV installation across its 400+ centres and introduced "intimate care waivers" for parents.

Verified

A Victoria Police spokesperson stated regarding the new charges: "The families of the four alleged victims have been notified and have been provided with all available support services... The Chief Health Officer has advised no children will require further testing".

What We Know So Far

1. This remains an active police investigation.
2. No new childcare centres have been identified beyond the 23 previously notified.
3. Police have urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.
4. A rapid review of the regulatory system found watchdogs were failing to keep children safe due to poor information sharing and legal constraints.

A Watershed Moment for Child Safety

The shocking scale of the allegations against Joshua Dale Brown has forced a national reckoning. While the judicial process will determine his guilt, the case has already proven that previous safeguards were insufficient. The true test will be whether the newly implemented reforms—the stricter laws, enhanced checks, and promised national register—create an environment where such widespread alleged offending cannot occur again. For a traumatised community and a concerned nation, the demand for definitive, systemic change is clear and urgent.