G8 Education Speeds Up CCTV Rollout Amid Child Abuse Allegations**

Following shocking allegations against an employee, G8 Education is expediting CCTV installations across its childcare centers and allowing parental choice in caregiving practices.**

G8 Education, a leading Australian childcare provider, is hastening the deployment of CCTV cameras in over 400 centers following alarming allegations of child abuse made against one of its employees last week. The decision comes after 26-year-old Joshua Dale Brown faced over 70 charges, including child rape, related to incidents involving eight children at a Melbourne center from 2022 to 2023.

In an official statement, G8 Education’s managing director Pejman Okhovat expressed deep concern over the allegations, describing them as “deeply disturbing,” and issued an apology for the “unimaginable pain caused to our families.” The company, which runs numerous childcare center brands and employs around 10,000 staff members caring for approximately 41,000 children, announced that parents will have the newfound option to designate who can change their children's nappies and assist them in the restroom.

G8 Education stated that the CCTV system rollout will be accelerated and follows a previous trial in select facilities. However, no timeline for completion was disclosed. A company representative emphasized the commitment to transparency and maintaining open communication with families and staff.

While the firm is focused on compliance with child safety and privacy regulations, it remains unclear who will monitor the footage and how long it will be stored. Experts have questioned whether CCTV could truly enhance child safety, with child safety specialist Kristi McVee indicating that its effectiveness hinges on human oversight. Critics worry that it may only serve as a false sense of security, potentially postponing necessary reforms such as increasing staff-to-child ratios.

The serious allegations against Brown, who had a previous employment history at 20 childcare centers, including facilities beyond G8 Education, have driven health authorities to recommend testing for infectious diseases for the families of about 1,200 children previously under his care. Authorities characterized this testing as a precaution.

In light of these events, both state and federal governments have promised to tighten child protection measures in the childcare sector. Brown remains in custody, and his next court appearance is scheduled for September, as he has yet to enter a plea.