NSW Police charge man, 26, following death of baby boy in Wagga Wagga
The four-week-old was rushed to Wagga Wagga Hospital, west of Canberra, in July 2023 with nurses finding the infant suffering from serious and unexplained injuries.
The baby was in a critical condition and taken to Sydney Children's Hospital where there are more resources, but he tragically died three days later.
State Crime Command's Child Abuse Squad were notified about the death and launched Strike Force Wighton to investigate the suspicious death.
After almost two years of investigations, detectives arrested a 26-year-old man in Albury CBD, near the border of New South Wales and Victoria.
He was taken to a police station and charged with manslaughter.
The man was known to the child.
He has been refused bail to appear at Albury Local Court on Friday.
Detective Inspector Peter Owen told reporters the baby allegedly suffered "numerous broken bones" as well as "other injuries" which he chose not to elaborate on.
'The death of an infant is tragic. Where there is suspected inflicted injuries is another level – that is abhorrent to people," he said.
He revealed the four-week-old had been taken to hospital by the 26-year-old man, but could not divulge on the relationship between the infant and the accused.
Det Insp Owen added the man had no history of domestic violence and no protective orders had been placed against him at the time of the alleged incident.
The Wagga Wagga man was in Albury on Friday visiting children.
Detectives are yet to interview the 26-year-old.
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The Advertiser
4 days ago
- The Advertiser
Predators try to hide their 'horrific' crimes. These detectives work to uncover them
PREDATORS may try to hide behind closed doors, targeting vulnerable children in corners of the internet, or committing horrific and life-altering acts against young people they're often trusted with knowing. But behind the scenes and out of the spotlight, operating from discreet locations, the highly-skilled detectives of the NSW Police Child Abuse Squad work tirelessly to expose some of the worst child abuse offenders in the state. The crimes are distressing and privacy is paramount, so the public would not know that in the northern zone alone, detectives in Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour and Ballina, investigated more than 1300 cases and charged more than 200 offenders last year. The northern zone manager of the NSW Police Force's Child Abuse Squad, Detective Chief Inspector Mark Robinson, sat down with the Newcastle Herald to lift the curtain on the important work his team does. "Child abuse detectives work in the field because they want to help and protect the most vulnerable people in the community, our children," he said. "They're driven to investigate offences against children and hold to account offenders who commit often serious and life-altering offences against children and hold to account offenders ... some of these crimes are horrific." THE Child Abuse Squad is part of the NSW Police Force's State Crime Command. Detectives investigate the most serious offences committed against young people, many under the age of 16. That includes cases of extreme neglect, sexual abuse and serious physical abuse, like head trauma, and other inflicted injuries like bone fractures in babies and young children and cigarette burns. "Reports of child abuse continue to increase year-on-year, which also means an increase in the workload of Child Abuse Squad staff," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson said. The confronting and often private nature of the offences may mean the public never hears about them, to protect victims, but that doesn't mean the prevalence of child abuse has to be swept under the carpet. So far this year, more than 50 detectives based in the northern zone, between Lake Macquarie and Tweed Heads and the busiest in the state, are investigating more than 700 child abuse cases and have charged more than 100 people. About 85 per cent of the Child Abuse Squad's work - or more - is investigating child sexual abuse. "Most offenders are known to the child victims and are often family members, neighbours, or associates. Offenders may be adults, but often they can be peers or older children and young people known to the victim," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson said. But apps like Instagram, Snapchat and online gaming have opened up new platforms for predators to interact with young people. "Offenders are finding new ways to target children, including children who are not known to them," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson said. "Children may believe they're talking to another child when really they're communicating with an adult predator. "Unfortunately, perpetrators continue to target vulnerable children in the community, including those with a disability, those who have an unstable home life, or those residing in out-of-home care. These are offenders are primarily men." The investigations aren't just becoming more plentiful, they're becoming more complex due to these technological developments like artificial intelligence, computers, mobile phones, apps and CCTV. The team continues to upskill as technology revolutionises not only how predators operate, but also the tools investigators have at their disposal. The Newcastle Child Abuse Squad has even charged offenders who have travelled from as far as Sydney, Northern NSW and interstate to meet and engage in sexual activity with children. People convicted of child abuse offences could face jail, be placed on a register and be monitored. "If you commit child abuse offences, whether in person or online, there is a strong likelihood that you will be caught," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson warned. CHILD abuse police undergo specialised training, are assessed psychologically before entry, and have regular assessments while serving on the squad. But, the large number of investigations, the court processes, and the court outcomes, can be stressful. "Child Abuse Squad detectives are caring people who want the best outcome for the children involved. Investigating these types of offences undoubtedly takes a toll on child abuse detectives," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson said. He's been a cop for more than 36 years, and has been part of the Child Abuse Squad for seven years. "I've seen a number of good, dedicated, hard-working, caring officers leave the squad and some, unfortunately, the NSW Police," he said. "Although difficult at times, child abuse detectives find this work very rewarding. "I think very highly of all our child abuse investigators and the work they do." Detectives need to review child abuse material and classify images and videos. Sometimes, when an offender has been charged and goes to court, the police officer is the only one who has had to review the material. Not all child abuse cases lead to charges, but detectives have other options to help the children at the centre. They undergo specialist training about how to conduct forensic interviews with children from different backgrounds and work closely with NSW Health and the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ). The Newcastle office has purpose-built interview rooms that are soundproof, have state-of-the-art recording and family rooms. All child abuse victims are treated with the greatest respect," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson said. At work, officers are encouraged to take breaks often and support each other, and outside work, be active, maintain a social and family life, and get involved with community and sporting groups. DETECTIVE Chief Inspector Robinson encouraged anyone who spoke with a child disclosing abuse to be "believing and supportive", take notes if possible, ask open-ended questions and report it. "It takes a lot of courage for a child to disclose they're being abused," he said. He urged parents to speak with children about their online activities and be aware which apps could be used to share their location. He said parents and carers should be aware of who they were bringing into their home if they were starting a new relationship because some predators sought partners just to access children. INSTAGRAM ASSET, not for publication in story PREDATORS may try to hide behind closed doors, targeting vulnerable children in corners of the internet, or committing horrific and life-altering acts against young people they're often trusted with knowing. But behind the scenes and out of the spotlight, operating from discreet locations, the highly-skilled detectives of the NSW Police Child Abuse Squad work tirelessly to expose some of the worst child abuse offenders in the state. The crimes are distressing and privacy is paramount, so the public would not know that in the northern zone alone, detectives in Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour and Ballina, investigated more than 1300 cases and charged more than 200 offenders last year. The northern zone manager of the NSW Police Force's Child Abuse Squad, Detective Chief Inspector Mark Robinson, sat down with the Newcastle Herald to lift the curtain on the important work his team does. "Child abuse detectives work in the field because they want to help and protect the most vulnerable people in the community, our children," he said. "They're driven to investigate offences against children and hold to account offenders who commit often serious and life-altering offences against children and hold to account offenders ... some of these crimes are horrific." THE Child Abuse Squad is part of the NSW Police Force's State Crime Command. Detectives investigate the most serious offences committed against young people, many under the age of 16. That includes cases of extreme neglect, sexual abuse and serious physical abuse, like head trauma, and other inflicted injuries like bone fractures in babies and young children and cigarette burns. "Reports of child abuse continue to increase year-on-year, which also means an increase in the workload of Child Abuse Squad staff," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson said. The confronting and often private nature of the offences may mean the public never hears about them, to protect victims, but that doesn't mean the prevalence of child abuse has to be swept under the carpet. So far this year, more than 50 detectives based in the northern zone, between Lake Macquarie and Tweed Heads and the busiest in the state, are investigating more than 700 child abuse cases and have charged more than 100 people. About 85 per cent of the Child Abuse Squad's work - or more - is investigating child sexual abuse. "Most offenders are known to the child victims and are often family members, neighbours, or associates. Offenders may be adults, but often they can be peers or older children and young people known to the victim," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson said. But apps like Instagram, Snapchat and online gaming have opened up new platforms for predators to interact with young people. "Offenders are finding new ways to target children, including children who are not known to them," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson said. "Children may believe they're talking to another child when really they're communicating with an adult predator. "Unfortunately, perpetrators continue to target vulnerable children in the community, including those with a disability, those who have an unstable home life, or those residing in out-of-home care. These are offenders are primarily men." The investigations aren't just becoming more plentiful, they're becoming more complex due to these technological developments like artificial intelligence, computers, mobile phones, apps and CCTV. The team continues to upskill as technology revolutionises not only how predators operate, but also the tools investigators have at their disposal. The Newcastle Child Abuse Squad has even charged offenders who have travelled from as far as Sydney, Northern NSW and interstate to meet and engage in sexual activity with children. People convicted of child abuse offences could face jail, be placed on a register and be monitored. "If you commit child abuse offences, whether in person or online, there is a strong likelihood that you will be caught," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson warned. CHILD abuse police undergo specialised training, are assessed psychologically before entry, and have regular assessments while serving on the squad. But, the large number of investigations, the court processes, and the court outcomes, can be stressful. "Child Abuse Squad detectives are caring people who want the best outcome for the children involved. Investigating these types of offences undoubtedly takes a toll on child abuse detectives," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson said. He's been a cop for more than 36 years, and has been part of the Child Abuse Squad for seven years. "I've seen a number of good, dedicated, hard-working, caring officers leave the squad and some, unfortunately, the NSW Police," he said. "Although difficult at times, child abuse detectives find this work very rewarding. "I think very highly of all our child abuse investigators and the work they do." Detectives need to review child abuse material and classify images and videos. Sometimes, when an offender has been charged and goes to court, the police officer is the only one who has had to review the material. Not all child abuse cases lead to charges, but detectives have other options to help the children at the centre. They undergo specialist training about how to conduct forensic interviews with children from different backgrounds and work closely with NSW Health and the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ). The Newcastle office has purpose-built interview rooms that are soundproof, have state-of-the-art recording and family rooms. All child abuse victims are treated with the greatest respect," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson said. At work, officers are encouraged to take breaks often and support each other, and outside work, be active, maintain a social and family life, and get involved with community and sporting groups. DETECTIVE Chief Inspector Robinson encouraged anyone who spoke with a child disclosing abuse to be "believing and supportive", take notes if possible, ask open-ended questions and report it. "It takes a lot of courage for a child to disclose they're being abused," he said. He urged parents to speak with children about their online activities and be aware which apps could be used to share their location. He said parents and carers should be aware of who they were bringing into their home if they were starting a new relationship because some predators sought partners just to access children. INSTAGRAM ASSET, not for publication in story PREDATORS may try to hide behind closed doors, targeting vulnerable children in corners of the internet, or committing horrific and life-altering acts against young people they're often trusted with knowing. But behind the scenes and out of the spotlight, operating from discreet locations, the highly-skilled detectives of the NSW Police Child Abuse Squad work tirelessly to expose some of the worst child abuse offenders in the state. The crimes are distressing and privacy is paramount, so the public would not know that in the northern zone alone, detectives in Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour and Ballina, investigated more than 1300 cases and charged more than 200 offenders last year. The northern zone manager of the NSW Police Force's Child Abuse Squad, Detective Chief Inspector Mark Robinson, sat down with the Newcastle Herald to lift the curtain on the important work his team does. "Child abuse detectives work in the field because they want to help and protect the most vulnerable people in the community, our children," he said. "They're driven to investigate offences against children and hold to account offenders who commit often serious and life-altering offences against children and hold to account offenders ... some of these crimes are horrific." THE Child Abuse Squad is part of the NSW Police Force's State Crime Command. Detectives investigate the most serious offences committed against young people, many under the age of 16. That includes cases of extreme neglect, sexual abuse and serious physical abuse, like head trauma, and other inflicted injuries like bone fractures in babies and young children and cigarette burns. "Reports of child abuse continue to increase year-on-year, which also means an increase in the workload of Child Abuse Squad staff," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson said. The confronting and often private nature of the offences may mean the public never hears about them, to protect victims, but that doesn't mean the prevalence of child abuse has to be swept under the carpet. So far this year, more than 50 detectives based in the northern zone, between Lake Macquarie and Tweed Heads and the busiest in the state, are investigating more than 700 child abuse cases and have charged more than 100 people. About 85 per cent of the Child Abuse Squad's work - or more - is investigating child sexual abuse. "Most offenders are known to the child victims and are often family members, neighbours, or associates. Offenders may be adults, but often they can be peers or older children and young people known to the victim," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson said. But apps like Instagram, Snapchat and online gaming have opened up new platforms for predators to interact with young people. "Offenders are finding new ways to target children, including children who are not known to them," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson said. "Children may believe they're talking to another child when really they're communicating with an adult predator. "Unfortunately, perpetrators continue to target vulnerable children in the community, including those with a disability, those who have an unstable home life, or those residing in out-of-home care. These are offenders are primarily men." The investigations aren't just becoming more plentiful, they're becoming more complex due to these technological developments like artificial intelligence, computers, mobile phones, apps and CCTV. The team continues to upskill as technology revolutionises not only how predators operate, but also the tools investigators have at their disposal. The Newcastle Child Abuse Squad has even charged offenders who have travelled from as far as Sydney, Northern NSW and interstate to meet and engage in sexual activity with children. People convicted of child abuse offences could face jail, be placed on a register and be monitored. "If you commit child abuse offences, whether in person or online, there is a strong likelihood that you will be caught," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson warned. CHILD abuse police undergo specialised training, are assessed psychologically before entry, and have regular assessments while serving on the squad. But, the large number of investigations, the court processes, and the court outcomes, can be stressful. "Child Abuse Squad detectives are caring people who want the best outcome for the children involved. Investigating these types of offences undoubtedly takes a toll on child abuse detectives," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson said. He's been a cop for more than 36 years, and has been part of the Child Abuse Squad for seven years. "I've seen a number of good, dedicated, hard-working, caring officers leave the squad and some, unfortunately, the NSW Police," he said. "Although difficult at times, child abuse detectives find this work very rewarding. "I think very highly of all our child abuse investigators and the work they do." Detectives need to review child abuse material and classify images and videos. Sometimes, when an offender has been charged and goes to court, the police officer is the only one who has had to review the material. Not all child abuse cases lead to charges, but detectives have other options to help the children at the centre. They undergo specialist training about how to conduct forensic interviews with children from different backgrounds and work closely with NSW Health and the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ). The Newcastle office has purpose-built interview rooms that are soundproof, have state-of-the-art recording and family rooms. All child abuse victims are treated with the greatest respect," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson said. At work, officers are encouraged to take breaks often and support each other, and outside work, be active, maintain a social and family life, and get involved with community and sporting groups. DETECTIVE Chief Inspector Robinson encouraged anyone who spoke with a child disclosing abuse to be "believing and supportive", take notes if possible, ask open-ended questions and report it. "It takes a lot of courage for a child to disclose they're being abused," he said. He urged parents to speak with children about their online activities and be aware which apps could be used to share their location. He said parents and carers should be aware of who they were bringing into their home if they were starting a new relationship because some predators sought partners just to access children. INSTAGRAM ASSET, not for publication in story PREDATORS may try to hide behind closed doors, targeting vulnerable children in corners of the internet, or committing horrific and life-altering acts against young people they're often trusted with knowing. But behind the scenes and out of the spotlight, operating from discreet locations, the highly-skilled detectives of the NSW Police Child Abuse Squad work tirelessly to expose some of the worst child abuse offenders in the state. The crimes are distressing and privacy is paramount, so the public would not know that in the northern zone alone, detectives in Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour and Ballina, investigated more than 1300 cases and charged more than 200 offenders last year. The northern zone manager of the NSW Police Force's Child Abuse Squad, Detective Chief Inspector Mark Robinson, sat down with the Newcastle Herald to lift the curtain on the important work his team does. "Child abuse detectives work in the field because they want to help and protect the most vulnerable people in the community, our children," he said. "They're driven to investigate offences against children and hold to account offenders who commit often serious and life-altering offences against children and hold to account offenders ... some of these crimes are horrific." THE Child Abuse Squad is part of the NSW Police Force's State Crime Command. Detectives investigate the most serious offences committed against young people, many under the age of 16. That includes cases of extreme neglect, sexual abuse and serious physical abuse, like head trauma, and other inflicted injuries like bone fractures in babies and young children and cigarette burns. "Reports of child abuse continue to increase year-on-year, which also means an increase in the workload of Child Abuse Squad staff," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson said. The confronting and often private nature of the offences may mean the public never hears about them, to protect victims, but that doesn't mean the prevalence of child abuse has to be swept under the carpet. So far this year, more than 50 detectives based in the northern zone, between Lake Macquarie and Tweed Heads and the busiest in the state, are investigating more than 700 child abuse cases and have charged more than 100 people. About 85 per cent of the Child Abuse Squad's work - or more - is investigating child sexual abuse. "Most offenders are known to the child victims and are often family members, neighbours, or associates. Offenders may be adults, but often they can be peers or older children and young people known to the victim," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson said. But apps like Instagram, Snapchat and online gaming have opened up new platforms for predators to interact with young people. "Offenders are finding new ways to target children, including children who are not known to them," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson said. "Children may believe they're talking to another child when really they're communicating with an adult predator. "Unfortunately, perpetrators continue to target vulnerable children in the community, including those with a disability, those who have an unstable home life, or those residing in out-of-home care. These are offenders are primarily men." The investigations aren't just becoming more plentiful, they're becoming more complex due to these technological developments like artificial intelligence, computers, mobile phones, apps and CCTV. The team continues to upskill as technology revolutionises not only how predators operate, but also the tools investigators have at their disposal. The Newcastle Child Abuse Squad has even charged offenders who have travelled from as far as Sydney, Northern NSW and interstate to meet and engage in sexual activity with children. People convicted of child abuse offences could face jail, be placed on a register and be monitored. "If you commit child abuse offences, whether in person or online, there is a strong likelihood that you will be caught," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson warned. CHILD abuse police undergo specialised training, are assessed psychologically before entry, and have regular assessments while serving on the squad. But, the large number of investigations, the court processes, and the court outcomes, can be stressful. "Child Abuse Squad detectives are caring people who want the best outcome for the children involved. Investigating these types of offences undoubtedly takes a toll on child abuse detectives," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson said. He's been a cop for more than 36 years, and has been part of the Child Abuse Squad for seven years. "I've seen a number of good, dedicated, hard-working, caring officers leave the squad and some, unfortunately, the NSW Police," he said. "Although difficult at times, child abuse detectives find this work very rewarding. "I think very highly of all our child abuse investigators and the work they do." Detectives need to review child abuse material and classify images and videos. Sometimes, when an offender has been charged and goes to court, the police officer is the only one who has had to review the material. Not all child abuse cases lead to charges, but detectives have other options to help the children at the centre. They undergo specialist training about how to conduct forensic interviews with children from different backgrounds and work closely with NSW Health and the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ). The Newcastle office has purpose-built interview rooms that are soundproof, have state-of-the-art recording and family rooms. All child abuse victims are treated with the greatest respect," Detective Chief Inspector Robinson said. At work, officers are encouraged to take breaks often and support each other, and outside work, be active, maintain a social and family life, and get involved with community and sporting groups. DETECTIVE Chief Inspector Robinson encouraged anyone who spoke with a child disclosing abuse to be "believing and supportive", take notes if possible, ask open-ended questions and report it. "It takes a lot of courage for a child to disclose they're being abused," he said. He urged parents to speak with children about their online activities and be aware which apps could be used to share their location. He said parents and carers should be aware of who they were bringing into their home if they were starting a new relationship because some predators sought partners just to access children. INSTAGRAM ASSET, not for publication in story
ABC News
6 days ago
- ABC News
NSW Police worried child abusers who 'shop around' care centres are going undetected
The head of NSW Police's Child Abuse Squad has detailed how offenders are moving between childcare centres without being detected. A state parliamentary inquiry into child care on Thursday examined the police processes for investigating cases of neglect and abuse in the sector. Detective Superintendent Linda Howlett, the Commander of the State Crime Command's Child Abuse Squad, told the inquiry offenders were likely to "shop around" and work at childcare centres that did not have strong measures in place to prevent abuse. She said this meant crucial "red flags" were being missed. "What people don't really understand is a lot of these offenders are very, very smart, they've got a name in mind," Superintendent Howlett said. "So what they will do is they will centre shop, they'll go to a number of centres and work there. And if they've got the appropriate systems in place that they can't offend, they'll move on to the next centre. Superintendent Howlett said her squad — which has about 235 staff across the state — was working to identify these workers. But she said it was difficult because police did not have access to information on why they had moved between centres. "I personally would like to see a database that actually has all those red flags included in it," she said. "It might not lead to a criminal offence but it should be what I consider to be intel-based." An added challenge, Superintendent Howlett said, was a reluctance among parents and educators to report incidents to police. "My advice to parents and to anyone would be, do not approach the director of the centre," she said. "Because at the end of the day, I'm probably a little cynical, but the director doesn't want to lose the business, they don't want a bad reputation, they're in panic mode because parents are then thinking that their children have abused." Superintendent Howlett pointed to examples where parents had approached the centre and had been "talked out" of taking any allegations further. "A lot of (centres) will do their own investigations before they report it to the police, or they'll have a conversation with a person of interest and…contaminate further evidence that might come about," she said. "Or they'll go and question the child itself, and that's something we totally disagree with. It's up to us to be interviewing the child because we've got specialist investigators who focus upon that." Quizzed on the role of CCTV in childcare centres, Superintendent Howlett said it played an important role in gathering evidence. "Because they're working they forget that the CCTV is there," she said. She told the inquiry her "strongest recommendation" was that centres should be required to always have at least two workers in a room with a child. "I know centres aren't agreeing with that, they're saying they can't employ those people," Superintendent Howlett said. "But at the end of the day, this sector is earning a lot of money, and what price do we put on the safety of our children? "Once a child has been offended against, that would have ramifications for the rest of their lives."
News.com.au
6 days ago
- News.com.au
Child care providers ‘reluctant' to report abuse claims: NSW top cop
Childcare providers are 'reluctant' to report allegations of abuse to police because 'they don't want to get the sack', NSW's top cop on child abuse has told a parliamentary inquiry into the controversy-laden sector. NSW Police Child Abuse Squad Commander Detective Superintendent Linda Howlett was grilled by the Inquiry into the Early Childhood Education and Care Sector on Thursday on the challenges police face. Under questions, Superintendent Howlett told the inquiry there was a 'reluctance by people within the (childcare) agencies to actually report abuse', including because of a fear that 'they don't want to get the sack'. 'The other thing is they don't want these centres to get a bad reputation because, whether you like it or not, there was a lot of money to be made in this sector,' she said. 'What I've said to them (the providers) is I really want them to report to the police.' Superintendent Howlett said agencies were having conversations with accused people following allegations, potentially 'contaminating evidence', as well as with young children who are potentially victims of abuse. 'Problematic' She said there was a 'lack of understanding' within the sector of when matters should be reported to the police, and not the regulator, and pushed for the creation of a database that could centralise 'red flags' of workers for police. 'I don't really understand why this sector sees a criminal offence … and they choose to report it to the regulator. That's problematic in itself in that evidence could be destroyed. You're giving a heads up to a lot of people. She went on to add: 'A database should exist. 'Rather than the police going to the all the educators and asking for that information, I would like to see us having direct access to that database that we could go in and actually do the a little bit proactive (work)'. For parents concerned about potential abuse, Superintendent Howlett urged them not to contact the centre directly and instead contact police because 'the director, first of all, doesn't want to lose the business'. 'They don't want a bad reputation,' she said. The inquiry comes amid a number of high-profile alleged child abuse cases in NSW and Victoria, which have sparked urgent reforms at the Commonwealth level and calls for the states to enact their own reforms. Superintendent Howlett told the inquiry child-abuse offenders were 'very, very smart' and would 'shop around' at a number of centres, including across state lines, until they can find one where they can offend. 'They'll look for centres that are doing the right thing … (then) move on because they realise they're not going to get what they want,' she said. She recommended that there should always be two people in a room during nappy changes, an area where, despite urges for more CCTV, she said little offending actually occurred because 'there's too many people walking in'. Nonetheless, Superintendent Howlett said she was a proponent of the expansion of CCTV, which can be critical to police investigations. 'If you're doing the right thing, then the CCTV will show that,' she said. 'Of you've got nothing to hide, then I can't understand why you've got such an objection to it.' The inquiry is examining the safety, health, and wellbeing of children within the NSW childcare sector, as well as the quality and affordability of care. It will continue on Thursday.
