Early learning worker in Tasmania’s North stood down, charged by Australian Federal Police

Parents have been told a 34-year-old male worker at a Tasmanian early learning centre stands accused of possessing child exploitation and bestiality material. DETAILS >

Australian Federal Police generic. Picture: (A) manda Parkinson

Parents have been told a 34-year-old male worker at an early learning centre in Tasmania’s North stands accused of allegedly possessing child exploitation and bestiality material.

A letter to parents and caregivers, which is being shared across social media, states the CatholicCare worker was charged by the AFP following an extensive investigation by the Tasmanian Joint Anti-Exploitation Team.

The letter, issued on Friday, states the worker has appeared in court and was granted bail, to reappear before August.

It also clarifies the worker was “immediately stood down from his position” and “is not permitted to enter school grounds or our Out of School Hours facilities”.

“We immediately took steps to notify the Archdiocese of Hobart’s Office of Professional Standards – the state’s regulatory body for education and childcare,” the letter reads.

“The individual concerned had passed all pre-employment certifications and checks prior to working with CatholicCare.

The letter stated that CatholicCare Tasmania and the Archdiocese of Hobart have “zero tolerance towards the mistreatment of children and vulnerable people in our care”.

An AFP spokesperson confirmed the details of the letter were accurate and that federal detectives were still following “investigative leads”.

The spokesperson said the 34-year-old was charged with one count each of possessing child exploitation material and possessing bestiality material.

He will reappear in court before August.

CatholicCare has been contacted for an official statement.