Two Men Charged in Victoria Child Abuse Scandal

A major child sex abuse investigation in Victoria has resulted in charges against Michael Simon Wilson, 36, and Joshua Dale Brown, after allegations of widespread abuse at Melbourne's Creative Garden Early Learning Centre. Wilson faces 45 charges, including rape, bestiality, and possession of child abuse material, with alleged crimes not linked to childcare centres and involving different victims from Brown's. Brown, a former childcare worker, has been charged with over 70 offences, including the sexual penetration of children as young as five months and contaminating children's food with bodily fluids. Both men are reportedly known to each other, though the nature of their connection is unclear. Victoria’s chief health officer has recommended infectious diseases testing for 1,200 children, and the scandal has sparked urgent calls for childcare reform. Education Minister Jason Clare expressed outrage at the crimes and highlighted the need to address predator risks in early education settings.