AFP lays 115 additional charges against former Sydney childcare worker

The AFP announced the new charges on Friday, which include 105 counts of producing child abuse material, one count of carrying out a sexual act with a child under 10, five counts of filming a person engaged in a private act in circumstances of aggravation, and four counts of possessing child abuse material.

Mr Tait, 35, has been in custody since his initial arrest in July. The alleged victims are children known to Mr Tait and those who attended five early childhood education centres in Sydney's north-west where he worked or attended. Police said the additional charges relate to previously identified alleged victims; no further children have been identified.

The investigation, Operation Moonbi, has involved the review of 2.4 million electronic files. The AFP has set up a dedicated website listing more than 55 childcare centres where Mr Tait worked or attended between 2009 and 2025, predominantly in Sydney's north-west.

The matter is next scheduled to be heard at Parramatta Local Court on October 8.

Analysis

Why This Matters

The case is one of the largest alleged child abuse investigations in Australian history, with charges relating to more than 130 children over a 16-year period.
The volume of electronic evidence – 2.4 million files – highlights the scale and complexity of modern child exploitation investigations.
The next court hearing will determine whether the case proceeds to a higher court for trial, with potential implications for sentencing if convicted.

Background

Hamish Tait was first arrested by the AFP in July 2026 as part of Operation Moonbi, an investigation into alleged child abuse at childcare centres in Sydney's north-west. Police released images of distinctive clothing found on seized electronic devices in an attempt to identify victims. Tait worked or attended more than 55 childcare centres between 2009 and 2025, with alleged abuse identified at five of them. The AFP has established a website for the investigation, providing information for parents and carers.

Key Perspectives

Victims and their families: The additional charges relate to children already identified, meaning no new victims have been contacted. The AFP has previously sought public assistance to identify victims through images of clothing. Support services are available. The accused: Hamish Tait remains in custody, with his legal team yet to present a defence. The matter is before the courts and he has not entered a plea in relation to the latest charges. Law enforcement: The AFP has described the investigation as complex, involving the analysis of 2.4 million electronic files. The Operation Moonbi website provides a list of centres to assist parents and caregivers.

What to Watch

The next court appearance at Parramatta Local Court on October 8, where the new charges will be formally listed.
Whether further charges are laid as the review of electronic files continues.
Potential committal proceedings if the matter moves to a higher court for trial.

ZOTPAPER