URGENT UPDATE: The CEO of one of Australia’s largest childcare providers, Affinity Education Group, has issued a public apology for harm inflicted on children at its centres during a tense inquiry in New South Wales. Tim Hickey faced intense scrutiny from lawmakers, including Greens MP Abigail Boyd, amid shocking allegations of abuse and neglect within the sector.
During the inquiry, Hickey acknowledged serious concerns raised about safety protocols, including reports of children being restrained for hours and receiving substandard meals at for-profit facilities. “I want to express my sincere apology for any child that’s been harmed while they’ve been in our care,” Hickey stated, calling the situation “deeply distressing and unacceptable.”
These revelations come on the heels of a disturbing case involving former childcare worker Joshua Dale Brown, who has been charged with over 70 offences, including sexual assault, while employed at Affinity-run centres from 2017 to 2025. Hickey emphasized that 90 percent of Affinity centres are meeting or exceeding quality standards, with 95 percent scoring highly on health and safety metrics.
Boyd aggressively questioned Hickey about the influence of private equity firms, including Quadrant Private Equity, which acquired Affinity for 650 million AUD in 2021. “The purpose of private equity, though, isn’t it to cut costs and make profits?” Boyd pressed. In response, Hickey defended his commitment to prioritizing child safety and quality over profits, stating, “My job is to sustain profitability in our centres so that we can reinvest back into the educators.”
Earlier findings from a federal Productivity Commission report indicated that NSW had more breaches than other states combined for five consecutive years. An independent review by former NSW Deputy Ombudsman Chris Wheeler highlighted systemic issues in the childcare regulatory framework. Wheeler praised recent government actions, including a bill introduced in September mandating that board members prioritize children’s welfare over shareholder profits.
Wheeler stated, “Board members of bodies that have services can’t say well ‘I have an obligation to the shareholders’. Obligation to children is paramount.” He warned, however, that problems in the sector are inevitable, regardless of legislative efforts. “It’s about whether the regulatory authority finds out about it quickly, whether it can react quickly and whether the outcomes are effective,” he said.
In response to these findings, the NSW government has mandated the installation of security cameras in childcare centres, increased penalties for negligent operators, and implemented measures to enhance child safety. These reforms aim to restore public trust in a sector that has faced mounting criticism.
As the inquiry progresses, both lawmakers and the public await further developments in this urgent matter, with child safety now taking center stage in policy discussions. Parents and educators are urged to remain vigilant and informed as changes unfold in the childcare landscape.
