Hunting Ground: Childcare Exposed
On 27 October 2025, a shocking investigation by Four Corners has revealed a disturbing trend within Australia’s childcare industry. The report, led by journalist Adele Ferguson, uncovers how childcare centers have become a “hunting ground” for predators who blend seamlessly into the community. The investigation has identified nearly 150 childcare workers accused or convicted of child sexual abuse or inappropriate conduct, with only a fraction facing conviction.
According to Professor Michael Salter, a criminologist at UNSW, “The offenders are choosing early childcare as a conducive place for the abuse of children. They are telling us that we have a massive problem.” The investigation highlights systemic failures, including lack of staffing and regulatory oversight, which create opportunities for abuse to occur undetected.
Systemic Failures and Regulatory Gaps
The investigation reveals that understaffed and under-supervised childcare centers have inadvertently provided predators with the freedom to offend. Dr. Michael Bourke, a clinical and forensic psychologist, describes the situation as “hunting in packs,” with offenders supporting each other as they exploit vulnerabilities within the system.
Former Australian Federal Police Team Leader Drew Viney, who worked on the case of Ashley Griffith, one of Australia’s most notorious paedophiles, explained how Griffith operated undetected for nearly 20 years. Griffith’s case is emblematic of the broader systemic issues, as he was able to abuse children in multiple childcare centers while meticulously documenting his crimes.
The Case of Ashley Griffith
Ashley Griffith’s case lays bare the failures of the childcare system. Griffith, who worked in NSW and Queensland childcare centers, was able to abuse 65 children in Queensland alone. His crimes were only uncovered after police identified blankets in his videos, leading them to specific childcare centers.
Griffith’s ability to operate with impunity raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of current safeguarding measures. Viney expressed surprise at the lack of oversight, stating, “The ratios aren’t what they should be, especially given the amount of money that is provided to childcare centers.”
Expert Insights and the Path Forward
Dr. Bourke emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to address the issue, highlighting the importance of understanding offender behavior and implementing proactive safeguarding measures. He notes that many offenders are “hiding in plain sight,” appearing as ordinary individuals while harboring deviant interests.
The investigation calls for urgent reforms within the childcare sector, including improved regulatory oversight, better staff training, and stricter enforcement of safety standards. NSW Greens Politician Abigail Boyd has been working to access previously hidden regulatory files, revealing a pattern of breaches and failures that have allowed predators to exploit the system.
Calls for Reform and Accountability
The Four Corners investigation has sparked calls for a national inquiry into the childcare sector. Despite the gravity of the findings, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has resisted calls for a Royal Commission, citing the cost and duration of such inquiries. However, experts argue that piecemeal reforms are insufficient to address the systemic issues at play.
Professor Salter warns that without significant changes, the sector will continue to be vulnerable to exploitation. He stresses the need for robust regulatory frameworks and greater transparency to restore public trust in childcare services.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
The Four Corners investigation has shone a light on a deeply troubling issue within Australia’s childcare sector. As the public becomes increasingly aware of the risks, there is a growing demand for action to protect the nation’s children. The path forward requires a coordinated effort from government, regulators, and the childcare industry to implement meaningful reforms and ensure the safety and well-being of every child in care.
As the investigation concludes, the message is clear: the time for complacency is over. It is imperative that Australia takes decisive action to address the systemic failures that have allowed predators to thrive within the childcare system. Only then can we hope to create a safe and nurturing environment for the nation’s children.
