A growing push to recall the Victorian Parliament has intensified, following another reported failure in the state’s child safety system. The Opposition is demanding immediate legislative reform after it was revealed that a convicted offender was able to visit a Horsham childcare centre while holding a valid Working With Children Check (WWCC).
But the political storm unfolding now is rooted in a much deeper crisis.
The alleged sexual abuse of multiple children by Joshua Dale Brown, an early childhood educator, has sent shockwaves through the state. Brown is currently in custody, charged with more than 400 offences. The scale and nature of the allegations, described by police as some of the most distressing they’ve seen, have horrified families, educators and the broader community.
Premier Jacinta Allan responded to the allegations this week, calling them “shocking and distressing.” “My heart breaks for those families who are living every parent’s worst nightmare,” she said. “Every health and mental health support will be provided to them.”
The case has exposed systemic cracks in Victoria’s child protection framework. Brown’s access to vulnerable children despite his role in the education sector has triggered widespread questioning of regulatory oversight and prompted calls to overhaul both screening and reporting mechanisms.
Now, with the Ron Marks case further highlighting glaring weaknesses in the WWCC system, the pressure has reached boiling point. Marks was convicted of possessing child abuse material and yet retained a valid WWCC while visiting a childcare facility in 2023. The Opposition says this proves the system is broken.
In 2022, the Victorian Ombudsman warned that the Worker Screening Act failed to consider pending charges or non-conviction data, unlike stricter regimes in other states. The warnings were clear but went unheeded.
Kathleen Maltzahn, CEO of Sexual Assault Services Victoria, told The New Daily, “The checks only work if someone has already been found guilty of child abuse. Concerning behaviour that hasn’t resulted in charges must also be considered.”
Shadow Attorney-General Michael O’Brien said, “This is exactly the type of threat to children that would have been prevented if the Labor Government had implemented the Victorian Ombudsman’s recommendations when they were made three years ago.”
Premier Allan reiterated her support for affected families and called for calm while police and courts continue their work. “An individual is now in police custody, and this matter is before the courts,” she said. “We will take every action within our power to keep Victorian children safe.”
The Department of Education has launched an internal review into early education settings linked to the alleged offenders. Education Minister Lizzie Blandthorn is in talks with federal and state counterparts on changes to regulations, screening and penalties.
Whether Parliament is recalled or not, the Allan Government now faces a reckoning. Brown’s case has shattered public confidence in a system meant to protect children. With warnings ignored, loopholes left open, and oversight in question, the government must act.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
