ABC News Daily How childcare became a hunting ground
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Oct 26, 2025 Adele Ferguson, an investigative reporter with the ABC, reveals the harrowing realities of Australia’s childcare industry. She discusses her months-long investigative effort that uncovered systemic failures leading to child abuse. Adele dives into cases of predators exploiting weak supervision, revealing over 150 accused childcare workers, and shares chilling testimonies of lifelong trauma. She highlights regulatory lapses and discusses potential reforms to enhance child safety, providing practical advice for parents on choosing the right childcare.
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Public Underestimates Childcare Risks
- Adele Ferguson warns the public not to look away from pervasive abuse in childcare.
- She reveals 1.5 million children attend childcare daily and the public largely underestimates the problem.
Investigator Traced Predator Using Blankets
- AFP investigator Drew Viney traced abuse by matching blankets from footage to Queensland centres and caught Ashley Griffith.
- Griffith later admitted he abused about 100 children and targeted two-to three-year-old girls.
Abuse Happened With Apparent Impunity
- Videos revealed Griffith set up tripods and abused children for 15–30 minutes with apparent impunity.
- Court evidence showed supervisors often believed rules and supervision were adequate despite the abuse.