Former Queensland teacher charged with child exploitation offences

A 30-year-old former teacher from Brighton, Queensland, has been charged with 25 offences related to child exploitation. 

Before continuing to engage with this piece readers of The Sector should be aware that the contents of the story discuss child abuse, which may prove distressing. Readers should consider their own circumstances before continuing to read.

The charges include multiple counts of grooming and using the internet to procure children for sexual acts. They were laid following a police investigation, which allegedly uncovered explicit images on his devices and evidence that he solicited photos from children in Tasmania and sent them money.

During a bail hearing, Acting Magistrate Nigel Rees described the allegations as serious and denied bail, determining the accused posed an unacceptable risk.

His provisional teaching registration has been suspended by the Queensland College of Teachers. The matter is scheduled for mention on 14 July.

Sector considerations for safeguarding

This case serves as a reminder for early childhood education and care (ECEC) providers to reflect on their safeguarding measures:

• Strengthening hiring processes, including comprehensive interviews, background checks, and verification of teaching registrations
• Providing ongoing staff training on child protection and identifying signs of grooming or abuse
• Maintaining clear reporting protocols for any concerns or allegations
• Encouraging open communication with children and families to support early reporting of inappropriate behaviour
• Aligning practices with the National Child Safe Standards
• Visibility of child safety policies and practices within services
• Appointing designated child safety officers
• Embedding child safety into everyday programs and routines
• Regularly assessing physical environments to identify and reduce risks
• Conducting policy reviews on a scheduled basis
• Incorporating child safety as a standing topic in team meetings

ECEC services have a responsibility to maintain safe environments for children and to uphold professional standards within the sector.

Advice and support

Members of the public who have information about people involved in child abuse and exploitation are urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.accce.gov.au/report.

If you know abuse is happening right now or a child is at risk, call police immediately on 000.

Readers who are affected by the content of this story and who need support are encouraged to connect with the most appropriate resource from the list below:

1800 RESPECT: Provides confidential sexual assault and family and domestic violence counselling via phone and webchat. Phone: 1800 737 732. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Kids Helpline: Free, private and confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25. Phone: 1800 55 1800 available 24/7.

National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service (Full Stop Australia): Provides 24/7 telephone and face-to-face counselling for people impacted by institutional child sexual abuse. Phone: 1800 211 028.

National Violence and Abuse Trauma Counselling and Recovery Service (Full Stop Australia): Telephone and online support, as well as information and referrals, for anyone in Australia who is or has experienced domestic or family violence, or those who support them. Phone: 1800 385 578.

Rainbow Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Helpline (Full Stop Australia): Provides 24/7 telephone trauma counselling from counsellors trained to support anyone in Australia who is from the LGBTIQ+ community and has experienced domestic, family, or sexual violence. Phone: 1800 497 212.

Blue Knot Foundation: Provides phone and email-based support for adult survivors of childhood trauma and abuse, as well as for their supporters and the professionals who work with them. Phone: 1300 657 380. Available 9 am to 5 pm AEST/AEDT, seven days a week. Email: [email protected]

Lifeline: Offers crisis support and suicide prevention services. Phone: 13 11 14 – available 24/7.

Access the Courier Mail coverage of this story here.