The Australian Federal Police has announced that a 26-year-old man has been charged with the alleged production of child abuse material during his employment at several out-of-school hours care (OSHC) facilities across Sydney’s northern suburbs - including centres within our own community in Bradfield.

As a parent, and as someone deeply connected to this community, I’m shocked and sickened by this news. Our children deserve to be safe, nurtured and protected in all education and childcare environments.

On June 18, police sent letters to all the families and carers who may have had contact with the man. While the investigation indicates that only a small number of children are believed to be directly affected, every parent and carer of a child who may have had contact with him has been personally notified by authorities.

This is an ongoing investigation. The AFP has made further information and a list of affected centres available on its website, which you can access here. This news is deeply distressing, so please don’t hesitate to use the helplines listed on the site. They’re there to help you through this difficult time.

Over the coming days, I’ll be speaking with the Minister for Education and the AFP to understand exactly what happened, what support is being provided to families, and, importantly, what stronger safeguards and reforms are needed to prevent anything like this from happening again. I will update you with any useful, additional information from those discussions.

During this incredibly difficult time for families and our community, my office and I stand ready to assist however we can.

Please find a copy of this statement in full here.