UPDATE: The Worker Screening Amendment (Safety of Children) Bill has been defeated in Victoria, sparking outrage as a recent child abuse scandal shakes the community. The bill aimed to reform the critically flawed Working With Children Check (WWCC) system following shocking revelations about alleged abuser Joshua Dale Brown, who faces up to 70 charges related to the abuse of eight children aged between 2 months and 5 years.
On July 29, 2025, Members of Parliament had a crucial opportunity to protect vulnerable children. The bill, proposed by the Nationals and Liberal Party, was intended to address significant gaps in child safety protocols, especially after Brown’s extensive history of working at 24 childcare centers from January 2017 to May 2025. The community’s trust has been shattered, and parents are demanding answers.
Authorities were quick to respond to the allegations, advising affected families to take their children for STD tests, a distressing measure that highlights the severity of the situation. Premier Jacinta Allan acknowledged the public’s concerns, stating, “
[The allegations] are shocking and distressing, and my heart just breaks for those families who are living every parent’s worst nightmare.
” However, her administration’s decision to block the bill has raised serious questions about the commitment to child safety.
Despite recommendations from the Victorian Ombudsman to expedite reform efforts, the Allan government has failed to act, prompting criticism from both sides of the political aisle. Shadow Attorney General Michael O’Brien blasted the government, saying, “
Today Labor put playing politics ahead of protecting Victorian children. We simply want to close the loopholes that put kids at risk.
”
The lack of action on child safety is not just a political issue; it is a pressing humanitarian crisis. Victims and their families remain in a state of trauma as they grapple with the implications of this scandal. As parents look to their leaders for protection, the government’s inaction feels like a betrayal.
Other regions are moving forward. In New South Wales, Premier Chris Minns has called for urgent child safety reforms and plans to introduce legislation next week to strengthen the WWCC. This highlights a stark contrast to the inaction observed in Victoria.
As the community reels from the implications of Brown’s alleged actions, the pressing question remains: How did these gaps in the system allow such a horrific breach of trust? The time for political posturing has passed; immediate action is required to ensure the safety of children across Victoria.
Parents and advocates are urged to stay vigilant and demand accountability from their representatives. The urgent need for reform and protection of our most vulnerable citizens cannot be overstated. The defeat of the Worker Screening Amendment is not just a political failure—it is a devastating setback for child safety in Victoria.
As we await further developments, the spotlight remains on the Allan government to show decisive leadership and prioritize the safety and well-being of children. The community deserves transparency, and the children deserve protection.
