Australian Federal Police have released images of children's clothing as part of an investigation into alleged child sex offender Hamish Tait, urging parents and carers who recognise the items to come forward. The clothes include a dinosaur-print puffer jacket, shorts with a blue pattern, a T-shirt with an animal pattern, and a two-tone T-shirt.
Clothing found on electronic devices
Detectives discovered the images on electronic devices seized during the investigation into Tait, a 35-year-old former childcare worker. He has been charged with 329 offences related to the creation and distribution of child abuse material, alleged to have occurred at several of the 62 childcare centres he worked at or visited, primarily in Sydney.
“Every image may contain a clue that helps identify a child,” said Australian Federal Police Detective Acting Inspector Emmanuel Tsardoulias. “Our victim ID team is tenacious, they’re committed and will stop at nothing to identify children or victims of child sexual exploitation.”
Over 300 calls received
In about two days, officers have received more than 300 calls with information. The detective admitted it was impossible not to consider the allegations and their potential impact as a parent himself. “We understand families want answers quickly, but we must be thorough to identify every victim to protect the investigation and ensure families receive the right support,” Tsardoulias said.
Police believe the images were taken between 2018 and 2023 at childcare centres at Rouse Hill and Putney, in Sydney’s north-west. The investigation has identified a further six victims, reducing the total number of unidentified children to 16.
Tait in custody since July 2025
Tait has been in custody since being arrested and charged in July 2025, when police seized almost 2.5 million files from electronic devices at his home. He was initially charged with eight counts of online child abuse material offences, and was hit with additional charges through April, June and July 2026, now totalling 329 charges. This includes 162 counts of producing child abuse material and 81 counts of filming a person engaged in a private act without consent.
A non-publication order granted to the AFP to protect the integrity of the investigation was lifted on Monday after a legal stoush.
Childcare provider Fit Kidz responds
Several of the centres identified as locations of potential abuse are owned by childcare provider Fit Kidz. “Our focus has always been and will continue to be supporting those affected and strengthening the safety of children entrusted to us,” Fit Kidz said in a statement.
