Queensland brothers charged with child abuse material offences after US tip-off – Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Report on Charges Against Two Brothers for Viewing Child Abuse Material in Central Queensland

Introduction

Two brothers from central Queensland have been charged by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) for allegedly viewing and distributing child abuse material online. This case highlights critical issues related to the protection of children and the enforcement of laws aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, and Goal 5: Gender Equality, which includes the protection of children from exploitation.

Incident Overview

1. The AFP was alerted by the United States National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding an online user uploading child abuse material on social media platforms.
2. Investigations linked the activity to two brothers from Gladstone, Ashley Greg Millard (26) and Kaden Blake Millard (19).
3. In November of the previous year, a search warrant was executed at a New Auckland residence, resulting in the seizure of electronic devices, including two mobile phones.
4. Examination of these devices allegedly uncovered child abuse material.

Legal Proceedings

• Ashley Greg Millard was arrested and charged with:
  • Possessing or controlling child abuse material obtained or accessed using a carriage service.
  • Accessing child abuse material using a carriage service.
• Kaden Blake Millard was initially not charged at the time of the search warrant; however, further investigation of his social media accounts revealed he allegedly transmitted child abuse material to another party via an online chat account.
• On January 15, Kaden Blake Millard was charged with:
  • Using a carriage service for child abuse material.
  • Possessing or controlling child abuse material obtained or accessed using a carriage service.
• The offences carry a maximum penalty of 15 years imprisonment.
• The brothers’ matters were mentioned in the Gladstone Magistrates Court and are scheduled to return to court in March. Both are currently on bail.

Law Enforcement Statement and SDG Implications

AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Kurt Wesche emphasized the seriousness of these crimes, stating:

“Our message to online offenders has not changed — if you procure, access, or transmit child abuse material, you will be found, arrested and prosecuted.”

“Children are not commodities to be used for the abhorrent gratification of sexual predators, and we will continue to target those who seek to exploit children.”

This enforcement action aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals by promoting:

• SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions): Strengthening the rule of law and ensuring equal access to justice for all, particularly protecting vulnerable populations such as children from exploitation and abuse.
• SDG 5 (Gender Equality): Ending all forms of violence against children and ensuring their protection from exploitation.
• SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): Demonstrating international cooperation, as the investigation was initiated through collaboration with the United States National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Conclusion

The case against the Millard brothers underscores the critical need for continued vigilance and cooperation in combating child exploitation online. It reflects a commitment to uphold the Sustainable Development Goals by protecting children’s rights and ensuring justice through effective law enforcement.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The article discusses law enforcement actions against online child abuse material, highlighting efforts to uphold justice and protect vulnerable populations.
2. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Although not explicitly mentioned, protecting children from sexual exploitation contributes to gender equality by addressing violence and exploitation that disproportionately affect girls.
3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Protecting children from abuse supports their mental and physical health and well-being.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 16 Targets
   • Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children.
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
2. SDG 5 Targets
   • Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
3. SDG 3 Targets
   • Target 3.4: Promote mental health and well-being.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicator 16.2.1: Proportion of children aged 1–17 years who experienced any physical punishment and/or psychological aggression by caregivers in the past month.
   • Implied through the focus on combating child abuse material and protecting children from exploitation.
2. Indicator 16.3.2: Unsentenced detainees as a proportion of overall prison population.
   • Relevant to the prosecution and judicial processes mentioned in the article.
3. Indicator 5.2.1: Proportion of ever-partnered women and girls aged 15 years and older subjected to physical, sexual or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months.
   • While the article focuses on children, this indicator is related to the broader goal of eliminating violence against females, including girls.
4. Law enforcement statistics: Number of arrests, charges, and prosecutions related to child abuse material.
   • The article provides data on arrests and charges, which can be used as indicators of enforcement effectiveness.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: abc.net.au