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Affinity Education CEO Addresses Childcare Safety and Hiring Practices at Parliamentary Inquiry

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Parliamentary Inquiry: Affinity Education CEO's Testimony

Glen Hurley, CEO of Affinity Education, appeared before a parliamentary inquiry examining the early childhood education and care sector. He issued an apology on behalf of the company for the distress resulting from incidents at its centers. Hurley stated that 2025 represented "a significant low point for both the sector and Affinity."

"2025 represented a significant low point for both the sector and Affinity."

Joshua Brown Employment Details

Hurley confirmed that Joshua Brown, who is accused of paedophilia and faces 150 charges, successfully passed all hiring checks prior to his employment as a childcare worker. These checks included resume assessment, phone screening, national police checks, working with children's checks, qualification verification, reference checks, and a face-to-face interview with center managers.

Brown worked at 23 centers, some of which were operated by Affinity. Hurley noted that recruitment processes have since been strengthened.

Regulatory Compliance and Transparency

Questions were raised during the inquiry regarding regulatory transparency and the number of breaches at Affinity centers. Hurley stated he did not have data on the number of regulatory breaches incurred by its Victorian centers available during the inquiry.

He also confirmed that the company does not publish National Quality Frameworks data on its center websites. Hurley declined to disclose his current wage.

Center Performance and Standards

Regarding Affinity's Essendon center, where Brown is alleged to have committed abuse, Hurley stated it now meets national standards. A Greens MP suggested the center should be exceeding standards given the severity of past issues.

Of Affinity's 52 Victorian centers:

  • 6 percent exceed national benchmarks.
  • 92 percent meet standards.
  • 2 percent are working towards benchmarks.

Hurley acknowledged the need for improved performance in this area.

Employee Incentives

Hurley confirmed that employee incentives are linked to tenure and enrolment. He emphasized that safety and quality requirements must be satisfied for these incentives to be activated. However, he was unable to confirm if these specific conditions were in place before he assumed leadership in October.