Started by Adam Washbourne, Founder & President of Fighters Against Child Abuse Australia (FACAA)

A Melbourne childcare worker was recently charged with more than 70 child sex offences, including against babies as young as five months old. In Brisbane, another man faces over 1,600 charges for allegedly abusing 91 children over 15 years.

Both were able to move freely between centres, even across states, with no public record of their convictions. Parents had no way to check their backgrounds. They were forced to rely on a flawed Working With Children Check system, which places the burden on institutions. 

A landmark JSS and UNSW study found that nearly 1 in 10 Australian men admit to having had sexual contact with minors. One in six report sexual attraction to children.

We need a National Public Child Sex Offenders Register. Now.

This would allow parents, employers and community members to check if someone has a conviction for child sexual abuse. Western Australia already has a limited public register. The UK, US and South Korea also have disclosure systems. Australian parents deserve the same protection. Right now, families are left in the dark. A national register would close dangerous gaps and help prevent future harm.

We’re calling on the Australian Government to create a national public register that:

• Covers all states and territories
• Lists names, general location, and offence details
• Works alongside Working With Children Checks
• Includes legal safeguards to protect victims and prevent misuse

Every day we wait is another day a child is at risk. Please sign and share this petition today