A Tasmanian man who was previously employed at an early learning centre in the states north has been accused of allegedly possessing child exploitation and bestiality material by the AFP.
Parents were informed of the allegations in a letter, which has since been widely circulated on social media, on afternoon Friday.
The letter said that the 34-year-old CatholicCare worker was charged by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) following an extensive investigation by the Tasmanian Joint Anti-Exploitation Team.
It also revealed that the accused worker was “immediately stood down from his position” and “is not permitted to enter school grounds or our Out of School Hours facilities”.
The man is currently out on bail following a recent appearance in court. He is due to reappear in August.
In a statement, CatholicCare Tasmania said the alleged matters “do not relate to any child at a CatholicCare Outside of School Hours Care service.”
“Upon receiving information from the AFP, CatholicCare took immediate steps to notify the state regulatory body for education and childcare (Education and Care Unit), and Catholic Education Tasmania,” they said.
“Parents of children attending Out of School Hours Care facilities in Launceston have been apprised and offered access to support and counselling.”
“The individual concerned had passed all pre-employment certifications including a valid WWVP check, a national police check, and personal reference checks prior to working with CatholicCare.”
