Child abuse investigator’s advice call to parents after childcare worker charged with abuse of 91 children

Top experts have provided answers to the key questions Queensland parents are asking after a childcare worker’s horrific child abuse charges were revealed.

Australia’s most renowned child abuse investigator has called for more “open conversations” about the horrific crime after a former childcare worker was charged with more than 1600 offences against 91 children.

A 45-year-old Gold Coast man, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, has been charged with 136 counts of rape and 110 counts of sexual intercourse with a child under 10, as well as hundreds of charges of indecent treatment of a child and making child exploitation material.

The Australian Federal Police allege the offences took place at 10 childcare centres in Brisbane, one in Sydney and another overseas between 2007 and 2023.

SCROLL DOWN FOR ANSWERS TO THE KEY QUESTIONS

International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children Australia board member and former head of Queensland Police Service’s Taskforce Argos Jon Rouse said parents needed to believe their children if they speak up about being sexually abused.

“The most important message I can relay to parents, carers and guardians is that if your child discloses, please believe them, support them and engage with investigators as soon as possible,” the former detective said.

Detective Inspector and children’s champion Jon Rouse. Picture Gary Ramage

“Yesterday’s announcement will understandably cause a great deal of community concern and raise many questions.

“Child sexual abuse affects far too many families globally. The more we as a society are prepared to have open conversations about this issue, the more children we can protect from this horrendous crime.”

Mr Rouse said his thoughts were with all the families involved, as well as the state and federal investigators who dedicated years to the investigation.

Australian Federal Police charged the 45-year-old Gold Coast man with 136 counts of rape and 110 counts of sexual intercourse with a child under 10. Picture: Gaye Gerard

“The nation’s victim identification teams, many of whom are parents of young children themselves, provided expert investigative capability that was crucial in achieving this outcome,” he said.

“A protracted, and as with many cases involving the internet, global law enforcement effort was critical in this outcome, however collaboration extends beyond law enforcement.

“Many organisations have a role to play, particularly when the crime involves online child sexual abuse material.

“Cross-industry collaboration, such as between law enforcement and financial services institutions, will result in piecing together the puzzle to save children.”

The offences took place at 10 Queensland childcare centres.

ICMEC Australia CEO Anna Bowden said: “As someone with lived experience of child sexual abuse, and with two young daughters of my own, I am sending thoughts to the many victim-survivors and their families involved.”

“This case demonstrates the need to continue our fight to protect children, and ramp up the public discussion, so we can shed more light on these atrocities, and confront them,” she said.

“This announcement has just reinforced our commitment to support better detection, reporting and prevention of this heinous crime.

“I would like to thank our partners in law enforcement, financial crime, regulation and child protection agencies for their tireless commitment to saving children from abuse and exploitation.”

What is Operation Tenterfield?

The AFP launched Operation Tenterfield following the arrest of a 45-year-old Gold Coast man last year on child exploitation material offences. Up to 35 AFP members, with help from police in QLD and NSW, have spent nearly a year examining more than 4000 images and videos depicting child abuse, allegedly created by the man. This analysis allegedly led them to identifying crimes committed against 91 children at childcare centres in QLD, NSW and overseas. All Australian children have been identified, with four international children yet to be found.

How do I report abuse in Queensland?

To report an urgent crime, call triple-0. To report a non urgent crime, call 131 444. Cyber bullying, image-based abuse or illegal and harmful content can be reported to www.esafety.gov.au and inappropriate behaviour towards children online, grooming or sextortion can be reported to the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation at www.accce.gov.au

What are the mandatory reporting requirements in Qld?

If an adult reasonably believes (or should reasonably believe) that a child is being or has been the victim of sexual abuse by another adult, they must report it to the police – unless they have a reasonable excuse. (Source: Queensland Government)

What are the penalties for sexual offences in Queensland?

Rape carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

Indecent treatment of a child under 16 carries a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment.

Making child exploitation material carries a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment.

Possessing, controlling, producing, distributing or obtaining child exploitation material carries a maximum penalty of 15 years imprisonment.

Possessing child exploitation material carries a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment.

What is child sexual abuse?

Child sexual abuse can be physical, verbal or emotional. Children can be sexually abused by adults or by other children who are in a position of power or authority over the child. It can be perpetrated in person, via phone or online. (Source: Queensland Government)

For more information:

https://www.qld.gov.au/community/getting-support-health-social-issue/support-victims-abuse/child-abuse/child-sexual-abuse