Childcare Director’s Shame: Amanda Vassel Fined $3,000 for Employing Convicted Child Sex Offender Husband at Centre
- Amanda Vassel, former director of Beenleigh Montessori Early Learning Centre, pleads guilty to employing her husband, Andrew William Vassel, a convicted child sex offender.
- Andrew Vassel did maintenance work at the centre for almost eight years, sometimes being around children.
- Vassel fined $3,000 and had a conviction recorded, with the magistrate warning her to be “very aware of her conduct in the future.”
Amanda Louise Vassel, the former director of a south-east Queensland childcare centre, has been fined $3,000 and had a conviction recorded for employing her husband, Andrew William Vassel, a convicted child sex offender. Amanda Vassel appeared in the Beenleigh Magistrates Court on Wednesday, charged with failing to gain clearance to employ her husband, who was convicted of two child sex abuse offences in New South Wales in 2007.
In a shocking development, the court heard that Andrew Vassel did maintenance work at the Beenleigh Montessori Early Learning Centre for nearly eight years, sometimes being around children at the centre. Amanda Vassel’s lawyer told the court she was remorseful and had made a full admission of wrongdoing to police.
Despite the lack of harm to any children, the prosecution argued that the length of time Andrew Vassel was employed made this offence worthy of a criminal conviction, so that her future employers could be notified.
In sentencing, Magistrate Michael O’Driscoll said it was clear Amanda Vassel had failed to meet both her responsibilities as an employer and community expectations around keeping children safe. He noted the maximum penalty for the offence was a $16,130 fine but acknowledged the former childcare director’s lack of criminal history and her cooperation.
“Can I suggest to you, madam, please be very aware of your conduct in the future, and of course you must disclose everything in relation to the circumstances if you have any future association with an employer,” Magistrate O’Driscoll warned.
Amanda Vassel’s husband, Andrew William Vassel, was also convicted of failing to fulfil his reporting obligations and was fined $2,000 in July.
If you or someone you know has been affected by child sexual abuse, there are resources available to help. Please reach out to 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, or Child Wise: counselling provider: 1800 991 099.