In light of serious allegations of child abuse against an employee, G8 Education, one of Australia’s largest private childcare operators, is expediting the implementation of CCTV monitoring across its 400 centres nationwide.
CCTV Installation at G8 Education Childcare Centres Following Abuse Allegations

CCTV Installation at G8 Education Childcare Centres Following Abuse Allegations
G8 Education announces accelerated installation of CCTV to enhance safety after child abuse charges against a staff member.
G8 Education has recently faced controversy surrounding allegations against Joshua Dale Brown, a 26-year-old employee charged with over 70 offences, including child rape perpetrated against multiple children at one of its Melbourne centres from 2022 to 2023. In response, the company plans to expedite the installation of CCTV at all its centres, allows parents to select caregivers for their children’s nappy changes, and has committed to a thorough independent review of the allegations once the ongoing investigations are complete.
Pejman Okhovat, G8 Education's managing director, expressed his sorrow regarding the distress caused to families and emphasized their commitment to supporting affected families and staff during this difficult time. The CCTV installation, following successful trials at selected centres, aims to increase transparency though specifics about the rollout timeline have yet to be disclosed.
A G8 spokesperson reassured that they are dedicated to complying with privacy laws and maintaining high standards of child protection and data security. However, concerns have been raised about the effectiveness of CCTV as a safety measure. Child safety expert Kristi McVee cautioned that CCTV relies heavily on human management, and past experiences have shown it may not act as a deterrent against abuse.
Moreover, educators like Professor Daryl Higgins and Martyn Mills-Bayne warn that while CCTV might provide a sense of security, it fails to address deeper systemic issues such as staff-to-child ratios. Mills-Bayne argued that allowing parents to dictate caregiver duties, like nappy changes, could inadvertently lead to gender discrimination in hiring.
The investigations into Brown revealed a troubling history, as he reportedly worked at 20 different childcare centres, prompting health officials to recommend medical testing for approximately 1,200 children that were previously under his care. As public outcry mounts, both state and federal governments are advocating for more rigorous staff checks and regulations in the childcare sector. Brown remains in custody awaiting trial, facing serious charges involving young children.