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Police seek public help to identify victims in childcare abuse investigation

Published July 16, 2026 at 6:02 AM UTC

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Australian Federal Police have released images of children's clothing as part of an ongoing investigation into a former childcare worker accused of extensive child abuse. The suspect, identified as Hamish Tait, is currently facing 329 charges related to his time working across 62 different childcare locations. Authorities are working to identify additional victims and have urged the public to examine the released images, which were discovered on electronic devices seized during the investigation. The case has prompted a significant response from law enforcement, who have already contacted more than 120 families to provide support and information regarding the allegations. The investigation spans a 16-year period, during which the accused worked at various facilities, including a school in a remote South Australian Indigenous community. A dedicated contact point has been established to assist affected families as the legal process continues. Police emphasize that the primary goal of releasing these images is to ensure the safety and well-being of the children involved and to bring clarity to families who may have been impacted by the alleged offending. The scale of the investigation highlights the rigorous efforts of the Victim Identification Team, who continue to methodically review a vast amount of electronic material to piece together the full extent of the crimes.