Melbourne, July 23, 2025 — All sexually transmitted disease (STD) test results returned so far in the police investigation into accused childcare sex offender Joshua Dale Brown have come back negative, according to Victorian Deputy Premier Ben Carroll.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday morning, Carroll said he had received direct updates from Royal Children’s Hospital staff regarding the medical screenings. “From what we have advised, there is no child that has tested positive for an STD,” he stated.
The ongoing investigation surrounds 26-year-old Brown, who faces more than 70 charges, including rape of children, sexual penetration of a child under 12, and the production and transmission of child abuse material. The charges relate primarily to eight children at the Creative Garden Early Learning Centre in Point Cook between April 2022 and January 2023.
Initially, health authorities recommended STD screening for 1,200 children at multiple centres where Brown had worked. This number was later expanded to include another 800 children, bringing the total to approximately 2,000.
Mr Carroll noted that he could not yet confirm whether testing had been completed for all children, but was reassured by the current results and the diligence of hospital staff. “I think they’ve tested just about everyone — but I can get that clarified — and all the tests have been negative,” he said.
Brown appeared briefly in court on Tuesday, with his lawyer, Rishi Nathwani KC, stating that the charges against his client remain “in flux” and are expected to increase. Court documents show Brown is facing 73 charges in total, including 28 counts of producing child abuse material, 24 of transmitting it, and multiple charges of direct sexual abuse.
Support services have urged families affected by the case to seek help, with national and child-specific counselling lines made available.
This case has shocked the Victorian community, leading to broader conversations around childcare safety, government oversight, and the need for stricter screening and regulatory measures in early childhood settings.
