Health Minister Mark Butler admits new childcare legislation too little, too late

A key government minister has made a startling admission as investigations continue into the childcare centres where accused paedophile Joshua Dale Brown worked.

Australia’s Health Minister has been grilled over “basic” action that had not been taken to ensure kids’ safety while in childcare.

It comes on the fallout and as investigations continue into the childcare centres where accused pedophile Joshua Dale Brown worked.

Speaking to Today’s Sarah Abo on Wednesday, Minister for Health Mark Butler said “urgent legislation” will be introduced when Parliament resumes next week.

“Frankly, it should have happened sooner,” he said.

A further 800 children are undergoing testing on Wednesday after a further four centres were flagged as places where accused pedophile Joshua Dale Brown worked. Picture: Channel 9

“I think Minister (Jason) Clare has been honest about that.

“But pretty basic obligations around safety of children, around regulation of workers, those sorts of things … will be things that Parliament will be looking at over the next two weeks.”

As investigations continue into the work history of accused childcare sex offender Joshua Dale Brown, Abo questioned how Australians can have faith in the system.

She said the lack of a centralised communication system between childcare centres was “as you say, Minister, it’s basic”.

Mr Butler said the lack of a centralised communication system in Australian childcare centres was “not good enough.” Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

“It’s just not good enough, and the parents involved here just must be feeling absolutely gutted by these sorts of communications,” Mr Butler said.

“So many other parents in Victoria in particular will be wondering whether they’re going to get a call.

“We have to fix this and we have to fix it urgently, and the Government’s committed to doing that.”

Today host Sarah Abo (pictured, right) questioned the Health Minister on how Aussies are meant to have faith in the system as investigations continue. Picture: Mark Stewart

“We’ve been talking to the Opposition to make sure that it’s something that has a broad base of support and can happen as quickly as possible.”

Mr Butler said discussions continue between state ministers and the federal government concerning an increase in police powers to alleviate parental anxieties.

It comes after more than 800 children have been urged to get tested as a further four childcare centres were flagged as places where Brown worked.

He was charged with more than 70 offences against eight children between five months and two years old in May.