Authorities investigate centre after offender found working without clearance

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Andrew William Vassel, a convicted child sex offender, has pleaded guilty to breaching reporting obligations under the Child Protection (Offender Reporting and Offender Prohibition Order) Act. Vassel worked as a gardener and maintenance contractor at Beenleigh Montessori Early Learning Centre in Logan, south-east Queensland where his wife was the centre manager.

The Beenleigh Magistrates Court heard that Vassel failed to report his employment, as required by law, and may have participated in centre activities, including allegedly dressing as Santa during a past Christmas event. Although no offences against children have been alleged, and no reports have been received by police, the centre is now under regulatory investigation.

Magistrate Michael O’Driscoll noted that while the breach was serious, a $2,000 fine was imposed rather than imprisonment, citing Vassel’s expired reporting obligations and lack of criminal history in Queensland.

The centre owner said Vassel’s work was restricted to weekends and public holidays, and they were unaware of his past convictions. “Had I been fully aware of his history, he would never have been engaged by the centre,” the operator stated. The owner has since contacted staff and families to apologise for any distress caused.

Queensland’s Early Childhood Regulatory Authority (ECRA) has confirmed an investigation is underway. A spokesperson stated:

“Approved providers have clear responsibilities under legislation regarding who may be present at a service when care is being provided to children. The department does not hesitate to take robust and appropriate action.”

Premier David Crisafulli and Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek have pledged to overhaul regulatory mechanisms, including reforms to the blue card system and the implementation of a reportable conduct scheme. A commission of inquiry is also examining broader improvements to child safety systems across the state.

Key Lessons for Early Learning Services

• Compliance with QLD Education and CareServices National Law, section 170 Offence relating to unauthorised persons on education and care service premises, services must ensure policies and procedures prevent unauthorised persons from being on premises when children are present.
• Under Element 2.2.1 of the National Quality Standard (NQS), services are obligated to implement “reasonable precautions and adequate supervision” to protect children from harm and hazard.
• The blue card system remains a frontline defence; all contractors and visitors must be assessed in line with legislation, regardless of whether they work outside core hours.
• Transparency and communication with families.

As regulatory scrutiny sharpens, the sector is urged to re-examine risk mitigation strategies and maintain a zero-tolerance approach to breaches of child safety protocols.

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 the ABC, please see here