Mass alert in child-sex abuse probe as police send letters to hundreds of parents
More than 1000 parents and carers of children have been contacted by state and federal police as part of an investigation into a man who worked in Sydney’s northern suburbs and CBD.
More than 1000 parents and carers of children have been contacted by state and federal police as part of an investigation into a man who worked in Sydney’s northern suburbs and its CBD.
The Australian Federal Police on Thursday said it charged the man in October with offences relating to alleged criminal behaviour.
A hotline has been set up for parents who have been advised of potential contact with the accused, who reportedly worked in after-school care.
“He remains in custody and poses no threat to children,” an AFP statement read.
The man’s name cannot be published under a court non-publication order.
The NSW Police Force and the AFP have this week sent letters to the parents and carers of children who may have had contact with the man.
NSW Health and the state’s Communities and Justice Department, Education Department and the Office of the Children’s Guardian are also assisting.
The agencies had “combined their efforts in accordance with the Joint Child Protection Response Program and under the strict guidelines of the royal commission”, the AFP said.
“Parents and carers of children who may have had contact with the man have been informed of the investigation and provided important information regarding the health and support services available to them and their children.
“In addition, the NSWPF is assisting the AFP in a comprehensive victim identification process. Based on information currently available, investigators believe the alleged behaviour of the man involves a very small number of children; however, the parents and carers of any child who may have had contact with the man have received a letter.
“The letter provides instructions on how to contact a local hotline if parents or carers have concerns about their child.”
An AFP spokesman declined to comment on the number of affected families. The man’s case was listed under a pseudonym in the Downing Centre local court on Thursday.
He did not appear at court as the matter was adjourned until late July. He will be expected to appear on audio-visual link from custody on the next occasion.
“Investigators ask those who receive the letter to read it carefully and contact the local hotline, as per the instructions, if they believe they require further assistance,” the AFP said.
“A strict non-publication order is in place to protect the identity of victims, maintain the integrity of the investigation and reduce any risk of contaminating evidence.
“Police are unable to provide further comment on the ongoing investigation while the court-directed, non-publication orders are in place.”
The number of serious incidents at childcare centres has reportedly increased more than 25 per cent in three years.
Last week, the federal government announced new rules to crack down on unscrupulous childcare providers.
From September, the childcare regulator, Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority, will require mandatory reporting of any allegations, complaints or incidents of physical or sexual abuse to be made within 24 hours rather than seven days, as it is now.
Services will be required to get parental consent to take, use or store images and videos of children, and will need policies on the use of CCTV.
“Child safety” will also be explicitly embedded into the National Quality Standard – which sets the benchmark for early childhood education and care – from January 1, 2026.
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