A second man has been charged with serious sex offences, including bestiality, in connection to a Melbourne childcare worker accused of 70 child sex crimes.
The news comes as the Victorian government fast-tracks reforms to boost safety and confidence in the childcare sector.
The state government has also commissioned an urgent review focused on immediate actions to improve the sector.
The Accused: Michael Simon Wilson
Michael Simon Wilson, from Hoppers Crossing, is facing charges related to child abuse material and sex offences.
Police allege that he sexually assaulted a teenage boy in Coburg on August 16. Detectives found material linking him to Melbourne childcare worker Joshua Dale Brown, who has been charged with over 70 child sex offences.
Both men will face court in September.
The Reforms
Premier Jacinta Allan has announced plans to create a register of childcare workers “as soon as possible” to provide extra scrutiny.
The government will also ban personal devices from childcare centres from September 26, with the possibility of fines of up to $50,000 for non-compliance.
The review will consider whether CCTV should be installed in childcare centres. Health authorities have recommended 1,200 children linked to centres where Mr Brown worked be tested for infectious disease out of caution.
The government has also established a webpage with information for affected families and has unlocked immediate needs payments of $5,000 for directly affected families.
Minister for Children, Lizzie Blandthorn, said there was significant reform work underway at a national level, but it could be “frustratingly slow”.
“We need to see tangible outcomes sooner,” she said.
Support Services
If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual assault, there are support services available:
- 1800 Respect National Helpline: 1800 737 732
- Lifeline (24-hour crisis line): 131 114
- Full Stop Australia: 1800 385 578
- Bravehearts: counselling and support for survivors of child sexual abuse: 1800 272 831