A parent has described the profound distress experienced after discovering an individual accused of hundreds of child abuse offenses worked at a daycare center attended by her children. The woman, identified only as Morgan, 33, spoke out after the arrest of Hamish Tait, 35, who faces 329 charges of child abuse allegedly committed between 2009 and 2025 at 62 different centers.
According to Australian Federal Police, 136 alleged victims have been identified, with an additional 22 yet to be named. Morgan stated that Tait, who worked at the front desk of one of the affected facilities, was trusted by many parents. She learned of his arrest from the center's management, an experience she described as traumatic.
"When I was told I didn't sleep for days - it was traumatic," Morgan told AAP. "I get so choked up talking about it because it's like every parent's worst nightmare come to life."
Tait was arrested in July 2025 under Operation Moonbi, following the seizure of nearly 2.5 million files from electronic devices at his residence. He has remained in custody. A non-publication order initially sought by the AFP to protect the investigation was recently lifted.
Morgan noted that Tait was not an educator but was present around the children as a staff member and utilized a professional camera for social media duties. The childcare centers are operated by Fit Kidz, a provider that issued a statement expressing shock, disgust, and sorrow for the pain caused.
"Our focus has always been and will continue to be supporting those affected and strengthening the safety of children entrusted to us," the company said.
Police allege that offenses occurred at specific locations, though Tait worked at or visited numerous early childhood education facilities across a wide geographical area between 2009 and 2025. These include locations such as Alasan Cottage Preschool, Beaumont Hills OOSH, Bright Minds Cranebrook, and multiple Fit Kidz Learning Centres, among others listed by the AFP.