Tingalpa: Man charged with indecent treatment of child at Affinity Education Group childcare centre
A man has been charged over the alleged indecent treatment of a four-year-old at a Queensland childcare centre.
Police say the offence happened at a Tingalpa childcare facility on July 10.
The 21-year-old Cleveland man who is believed to have had a valid Working With Children Check has been charged with one count of indecent treatment of a child at the centre owned by Affinity Education Group.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.A group spokesperson said the man had been stood down after the matter was reported to police.
“This matter is being taken extremely seriously and we are providing our full co-operation with Queensland Police,’’ they said.
“The safety and wellbeing of all children and staff at our centres is our highest priority, and we will continue to co-operate with regulatory authorities and support our families and team during this time.
“Upon becoming aware of complaints regarding the individual, we immediately reported the matter to the relevant authorities, including police, and stood down the individual.
“As this is an active investigation, communications with parents regarding this matter is being managed by Queensland Police.’’
The spokesperson said safety measures had now been strengthened, including fast-tracking of the installation of CCTV across all centres, parental preference sought in regard to who helps children with nappy changes and lock boxes requiring staff to securely store their personal devices before commencing shifts.
The 21-year-old has been given conditional bail on the Tingalpa charge and is expected to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on August 4.
Investigations by the Bayside Child Protection Investigation Unit remain ongoing.
The incident comes amid a rash of charges laid over separate incidents at childcare centres across Australia.
Melbourne childcare worker Joshua Dale Brown, 26, was charged with over 70 child abuse offences, including sexual penetration and producing child abuse material.
Mr Brown, 26, is alleged to have abused eight children aged between five months and two years at a Point Cook childcare centre between April 2022 and January 2023.
Two female childcare workers have been charged with allegedly assaulting a 17-month-old boy in their care at South Wentworthville childcare centre on June 26.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers or 1800 333 000.
