Further charges laid in early childhood case as provider reinforces commitment to child safety

Before continuing to read this piece, readers should be aware that the content of this article may prove distressing, and should consider their own circumstances prior to continuing to engage. A list of support services has been provided at the conclusion of the article.

G8 Education has confirmed that additional criminal charges have been laid against former employee Joshua Dale Brown. The new charges relate to Mr Brown’s work at several early childhood services, including three not operated by G8 Education and one of the group’s centres, Creative Garden Point Cook in Victoria.

The provider first became aware of allegations in July 2025 and has been cooperating with Victoria Police and the Victorian Government since that time. The investigation remains ongoing.

In a statement released to the ASX, G8 Education Managing Director and CEO Pejman Okhovat acknowledged the distressing nature of the new charges and reaffirmed the provider’s commitment to supporting families and staff.

“The safety and wellbeing of every child in our care is our highest priority,” Mr Okhovat said. “It is a responsibility shared by every member of the G8 Education team, and one that sits at the heart of everything we do.”

G8 Education has outlined a number of actions taken to strengthen safeguarding measures across its network. These include:

• Prohibiting personal devices in all centre learning rooms
• Providing regular, mandatory training in child safety and safeguarding
• Verifying Working with Children Checks and teacher registrations
• Supporting all educators in their role as Mandatory Reporters
• Encouraging confidential and anonymous reporting under its Whistleblower Policy

Recent changes have also focused on giving families greater input into care practices. Individual learning plans (ILPs) are now in place to allow parents to nominate preferences for who supports their child’s personal care routines, including toileting and nappy changes.

The provider has also accelerated the rollout of CCTV across its centres and confirmed that an independent review will be commissioned once the police investigation and legal processes are complete.

Beyond internal actions, G8 Education is advocating for stronger, more consistent national safeguards to protect children across all early learning environments.

The provider has called for:

• A national registry for working with vulnerable people
• Consistent national registration systems for teachers and educators
• A centralised employment register for early childhood workers
• Alignment of state-based child protection regulations
• Implementation of child safety-related recommendations from the Productivity Commission’s recent inquiry

G8 Education stated it welcomes current sector reforms and will continue working with government and regulators to strengthen protections for children in early childhood settings.

Further information is available via G8 Education’s website and Victoria Police.

If this article has raised concerns for you or someone you know, support is available:

• Bravehearts: 1800 272 831 | bravehearts.org.au
• 1800RESPECT (24/7 family violence and sexual assault support): 1800 737 732 | 1800respect.org.au
• Kids Helpline (for children and young people): 1800 55 1800 | kidshelpline.com.au
• Lifeline: 13 11 14 | lifeline.org.au