Former Sydney childcare worker faces 444 charges after AFP lays another 115

This article discusses allegations of child sexual abuse and child abuse material. Support and reporting contacts appear at the end.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has laid 115 additional charges against former Sydney childcare worker Hamish Tait, bringing the total number of charges he faces to 444 under Operation Moonbi.

The AFP announced the new charges on 25 September 2026. They relate to alleged offending involving children known to Mr Tait and children who attended five early childhood education and care (ECEC) facilities in Sydney’s north-west where he worked or attended between 2009 and 2025.

The AFP said the number of alleged victims identified through Operation Moonbi has not increased with this round of charges. The additional counts concern children already identified by investigators.

The latest charges comprise 105 counts of producing child abuse material, five counts of filming a person engaged in a private act in circumstances of aggravation, four counts of possessing child abuse material and one count of carrying out a sexual act with a child under 10.

Mr Tait, 35, has been remanded in custody since his arrest in July 2025. The matter is next scheduled to be heard at Parramatta Local Court on 8 October 2026. The charges remain allegations and have not been determined by the court. 

The AFP’s latest statement identifies five facilities in connection with the alleged offending. Inclusion on the broader employment and attendance list does not, by itself, mean police have identified alleged abuse at a service.

The distinction is especially important for families and educators trying to understand an investigation that spans many years. A rising charge total also does not necessarily indicate that more children have been identified; in this update, the AFP expressly said the identified number had not changed.

The AFP’s Operation Moonbi information and direct police contact remain the appropriate sources for families seeking details about the investigation. The NSW Early Learning Commission says it is working with the AFP and directs concerned families to [email protected]. It can also receive complaints about an ECEC service, including concerns about interactions between staff and children.

For providers and service leaders, the investigation reinforces the need to respond carefully to concerns while the matter is before the courts. Services should follow their reporting obligations, preserve relevant records, protect children’s privacy and avoid speculation about individual children or workplaces. Families need clear information about whom to contact, without being asked to rely on rumours or draw conclusions from the list of services alone.

Operation Moonbi remains an active investigation. The AFP’s latest confirmed update is that 115 more charges have been laid, the total is now 444 and no increase in the number of identified alleged victims has been announced. The court will determine the allegations through the legal process.

Families, educators and others affected can find support and reporting contacts here:

• Immediate danger: call 000.
• Operation Moonbi information: email the AFP at [email protected]. For non-emergency police assistance, call 131 444.
• Child protection concerns in NSW: call the NSW Child Protection Helpline on 132 111.
• Concerns about a NSW ECEC service: call the NSW Early Learning Commission on 1800 619 113 or email [email protected].
• Sexual violence counselling: contact Full Stop Australia on 1800 385 578.
• Emotional support: call Lifeline on 13 11 14.