Sydney: Appeal to identify further victims of childcare worker Hamish Tait, who faces 329 charges
Some of the children allegedly abused by a childcare worker over several years may now be adults, police say, as they appeal for more victims to come forward.
Police are working to identify dozens more victims of a childcare worker accused of a plethora of child abuse offences.
Further charges are expected in the disturbing matter, which could be one of Australia’s worst paedophile cases in history, police said.
Hamish Tait, 35, is alleged to have created and transmitted child abuse material impacting 158 victims.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The identities of 136 of the victims are known to police, with 22 yet to be identified.
It is alleged the offences occurred from 2009 to 2025 across 62 childcare centres Mr Tait worked at, or attended, across Sydney.
Australian Federal Police Acting Commander Luke Needham said police would make all efforts to identify the remaining victims.
“Some of the victims are adults now, but during the range of offending the victims were of pre-school or primary age,” he told ABC News Breakfast.
Investigators urged families of anyone who may have come into contact with Mr Tait to come forward.
A local contact point has been established in Sydney, along with a website where families that may have been impacted can access help and information.
“The purpose of the local contact point is to enable parents or families that believe they may be impacted by this situation an opportunity to speak with health professionals, but also the AFP,” Acting Commander Needham said.
Mr Tait has been in custody since he was arrested and charged in July 2025, when police seized almost 2.5 million files from electronic devices at his home.
He was initially charged with eight counts of online child abuse material offences, and was hit with additional offences through April, June and July 2026 which now total 329 charges.
It includes 162 counts of producing child abuse material and 81 counts of filming a person engaged in a private act without consent.
“Unfortunately, we have uncovered evidence of him sharing this material with an individual overseas,” Acting Commander Needham said.
“Those inquiries are ongoing, so our investigation is continuing into attempting to identify who that individual is.”
Police expect further charges will be laid.
If you or someone you know needs help, contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), or Sexual Assault Counselling Australia on 1800 211 028, the WA Sexual Assault Resource Centre on 6458 1828 or 1800 199 888 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Young people seeking support can phone beyondblue on 1300 22 4636 or go to headspace.org.au.
