Test results negative so far in childcare abuse case

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Victorian Deputy Premier Ben Carroll has confirmed that all sexually transmitted disease (STD) test results received to date for children tested in the wake of the alleged childcare abuse case involving Joshua Dale Brown have returned negative.

Speaking on Wednesday morning, Mr Carroll said his information was based on advice from health authorities and conversations with hospital staff. “From what we have advised, there is no child that has tested positive for an STD,” he said. “I think they’ve tested just about everyone, but I can get that clarified and all the tests have been negative.”

The large-scale testing exercise was launched following the arrest of Mr Brown, a 26-year-old former early childhood educator from Point Cook, who is facing more than 70 serious charges, including child rape, sexual activity in the presence of a child, and contaminating food. The charges relate to alleged offences committed against eight children at Creative Garden Early Learning Centre between April 2022 and January 2023.

In total, around 2,000 children across several services have been identified for precautionary testing, after health authorities initially recommended screening for 1,200 children, followed by an additional 800 children as the investigation expanded.

Mr Brown’s legal counsel has indicated that more charges are expected, describing the current charges as “in flux” during a recent court appearance. Charge sheets filed with the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court show Mr Brown is currently facing 73 charges, including:

• 28 counts of producing child abuse material
• 24 counts of transmitting child abuse material
• 13 counts of sexually touching a child under 16
• Three counts of sexual penetration of a child under 12

Mr Carroll also responded to questions about the resourcing of the Commission for Children and Young People, which oversees Victoria’s Reportable Conduct Scheme. The ABC recently reported that Mr Brown had been the subject of multiple complaints prior to his arrest, including an incident where he allegedly “aggressively” handled a child. Despite these concerns, Mr Brown remained employed in the sector.

While defending the commission’s existing funding, citing a 120 per cent increase since 2015 to approximately $14 million annually Mr Carroll acknowledged that more could be done. “Having said that though, we can always do more. I know the role they play is critically important,” he said.

The Commission’s most recent annual report highlighted the strain on its operations, noting a 30 per cent increase in notifications and a need to reduce oversight on a significant number of cases due to static funding.

Mr Carroll stressed the urgency of appointing a new Commissioner following the departure of Liana Buchanan in March. “It needs to be filled with urgency,” he said.

If you, or someone you know, is impacted by child sexual abuse or online exploitation, support services are available.

To read the original coverage of this story, as produced by ABC News, please see here.