Australian health and law enforcement authorities have advised that approximately 800 children should undergo precautionary testing for infectious diseases, following revelations involving a former childcare worker, Joshua Dale Brown.

The new advisory applies to four additional childcare centres where Brown, 26, was found to have been employed between January 2017 and May 2025. This comes after an earlier recommendation involving 1,200 children from 20 centres, bringing the total number of affected facilities to 24. One previously listed centre has since been removed from the investigation after it was confirmed Brown did not work there.

Brown was arrested in May and is facing 70 charges, including the sexual abuse of eight children between the ages of five months and two years. The alleged offences are said to have occurred between April 2022 and January 2023.

Authorities have not disclosed whether Brown tested positive for any sexually transmitted infections, but noted that the nature of the alleged abuse warranted infectious disease screenings for some children. However, officials emphasized that the risk of disease transmission remains low, and current test results support this assessment.

“We understand how deeply distressing this situation is for families,” read a statement on the Victorian government’s website. “All necessary support services are being provided.”

The case has ignited widespread outrage among parents and the public, not only over the disturbing allegations but also due to concerns about gaps in the government’s vetting process for childcare workers. Brown reportedly held a valid Working with Children Check at the time of his arrest — a legal requirement for those employed in child-related roles.

According to recent reporting by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Brown had previously been flagged to state authorities over behavioural concerns while working at one of the centres. However, those reports did not involve sexual misconduct and did not result in his clearance being revoked.

G8 Education, the childcare provider that employed Brown, announced it would fast-track the installation of security cameras across its more than 400 centres nationwide. The company also pledged to launch an independent review of the allegations once police and legal proceedings conclude.

Brown is expected to appear in Melbourne Magistrates Court in September.