Who is Andrew William Vassel? Convicted Child Sex Offender Fined for Working at QLD Childcare Centre

A man convicted of child sex offences was fined this week after he failed to report that he had been working at a childcare centre in south-east Queensland. The Beenleigh Magistrates Court heard on Thursday that 44-year-old Andrew William Vassel had been working as a gardener and maintenance man at the Beenleigh Montessori Early Learning Centre since 2018.

Vassel is a convicted child sex offender. He was found guilty in 2007 in New South Wales and was listed as a “reportable offender” for 15 years. His legal reporting obligations ended in 2023. However, under the law, he still had to report any employment at locations that involve children.

The court heard Vassel’s wife, Amanda Vassel, is the director of the centre. She had given him the job. Police were tipped off in June 2025 that he was working there and possibly had contact with children.

Vassel admitted to police that he worked there but claimed he only worked on weekends or public holidays. He said he did not believe he needed a Blue Card (a clearance needed to work with children in Queensland). He also said he was paid in cash.

During the court hearing, it was revealed that several witnesses saw Vassel dressed as Santa Claus during a Christmas event at the centre in past years. Vassel said he could not remember playing Santa but accepted what the witnesses said. His lawyer said he had problems with memory recall.

The court confirmed there were no complaints or accusations of abuse made against him from the centre. The Queensland Police also confirmed that no children were harmed.

Magistrate Michael O’Driscoll fined Vassel $2,000. He said that normally this kind of offence could lead to jail time. However, he considered that Vassel’s reporting time had already ended and that he had no record in Queensland.

The Queensland Department of Education is now investigating. A spokesperson said the Early Childhood Regulatory Authority (ECRA) is looking into the case. They will work closely with the Queensland Police.

This case has sparked new concern about child safety in early learning centres across Queensland. It comes just days after another childcare worker in Brisbane was charged with the indecent treatment of a four-year-old child.

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said on Friday that stronger checks are needed. He promised changes to the Blue Card system. He also said a new reportable conduct system is being prepared and could be introduced soon.

Parents and families across Queensland are now demanding tighter background checks and quicker action to keep children safe in all childcare centres.