G8 Education, one of Australia's largest childcare providers, has announced the closure of 40 of its centres across the country. The decision comes after a former worker at one of its centres was charged with child abuse offences in 2025, sparking widespread concern among parents and regulators.
The closures represent about 10% of G8's total network of centres. The company stated that the affected centres were underperforming financially and that the abuse scandal accelerated the decision to shut them down. G8 said it would work to relocate affected families to nearby centres where possible.
The abuse case involved a worker at a G8 centre in Queensland who was arrested in 2025 and charged with multiple counts of child abuse. The case led to a review of safety protocols across the company's operations. G8 has since implemented new measures, including increased background checks and surveillance, to prevent future incidents.
Industry analysts note that the closures reflect broader challenges in the Australian childcare sector, including rising operational costs and staffing shortages. G8's share price has fallen significantly since the scandal broke, and the company is now focusing on restructuring its remaining centres to improve financial stability.
Parents affected by the closures have expressed frustration, with some saying they were given little notice. G8 has apologized and promised to support families during the transition. The company has not ruled out further closures in the future.
