A former Sydney childcare worker is facing 329 child abuse offences allegedly committed over a 16 year period, it has been revealed.
The man can now be named as 35-year-old Hamish Tait after a court order protecting his identity was lifted.
Between 2009 and 2025, Tait had worked at or attended 62 early childhood education facilities, however, predominantly in Sydney’s north-west.
Australian Federal Police said a non-publication order had been sought at first to protect the integrity of the investigation, which began in June 2025 following a report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding an online user uploading a file depicting child abuse.
Australian Federal Police linked Tait to the alleged illegal online activity and executed a search warrant in Glossodia in Sydney’s northwest on June 20, 2025, where electronic devices were seized for forensic analysis.
“The AFP will allege an examination of the man’s devices identified child abuse material,” it said.
Tait was then charged with eight counts of online child abuse material offences on July 10, 2025, and later charged with additional offences in April, June and July 2026.
Multiple search warrants were executed in childcare facilities in Sydney’s north-west in 2025 as part of the evidence gathering process.
Tait has been remanded in custody since he was arrested and charged in July last year.
Australian Federal Police acting Commander Luke Needham said the alleged victims had been contacted and provided tailored support depending on their circumstances.
“The AFP has been in contact with 121 families, based around Australia and internationally, who we have positively identified their child as being depicted in child abuse material,” Needham added.
A website was launched yesterday to provide information on Tait’s work history and advice for appropriate support.
“As a result of our comprehensive investigation and extensive victim identification process, we allege this matter currently involves 136 victims.
Any form of child sexual abuse is confronting and horrific, even more so when the alleged perpetrator is an individual trusted with the care of our youth.”
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The investigation had spanned 12 months and involved the analysis of 2.4 million electronic files. Needham said twelve search warrants and “countless hours” had been spent “trying to uncover the scale” of Tait’s alleged offending.
“We wholeheartedly thank the investigators, forensics members and victim identification teams who have worked tirelessly and diligently to review 16 years of alleged offending on the man’s devices. This took time, skill and determination.
“We urge any victim-survivors to seek support or talk to a trusted person if today’s news has caused distress.”
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