Australian Federal Police have expanded their investigation into former Sydney childcare worker Hamish Tait, who faces 329 child abuse charges, to include a remote Indigenous community in South Australia. Tait, 35, was arrested in July 2025 and charged with offences spanning from 2009 to 2025 while working across 62 childcare centres.
Details of the Charges
The charges include 162 counts of producing child abuse material, 81 counts of filming a person engaged in a private act without consent, and 24 counts of using a child under 14 for the production of child abuse material. Police have identified 136 alleged victims, with a further 22 yet to be identified. Officers seized almost 2.5 million files from electronic devices at Tait's home upon his arrest; he remains in custody.
List of Locations Released
Under Operation Moonbi, police have established a website listing 55 early childhood education facilities where Tait worked or attended between 2009 and 2025, many in Sydney. Police have not alleged he offended at all centres. Notably, a small preschool in a remote South Australian Indigenous community appears on the list, although Tait has not been charged with any offences in that state.
Official Responses
Acting South Australian Premier and Indigenous Affairs Minister Kyam Maher described the allegations as “disturbing” on 891 ABC Adelaide. “The police will of course investigate what’s happened, what the involvement was with children … this is disturbing and we would hope that the police investigate fully,” Maher said. He added he had requested more information from SA Police, who work closely with federal authorities.
The SA Education Department stated it was aware of the matter and has a policy for informing school communities when allegations of sexual misconduct are made against anyone involved at a school, including contractors and volunteers.
Legal Proceedings
A non-publication order sought by the AFP to protect the investigation's integrity was lifted on Monday after a legal challenge. AFP Acting Commander Luke Needham urged the community to share any information that could help identify victims. “The abuse of trust, we alleged, has occurred, is devastating, and will have lifelong ramifications for victims and their families,” he said. “As a parent myself, I’m acutely aware of how distressing this news is.”
