A man known to accused childcare worker Joshua Dale Brown has also been charged with child sex offences.

Michael Simon Wilson of Wyndham Vale has been charged with offences related to child abuse material and sexual crimes against children, according to Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.

His charges form part of a major investigation into Brown’s alleged 70 offences against eight children in his care.

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Brown, a 26-year-old Victorian childcare worker, is accused of abusing children aged between five months and two years over an eight-year period across 20 daycare centres in Melbourne’s suburbs and Geelong.

According to The Sydney Morning Herald, Wilson’s alleged victims are different from those in Brown’s case and the alleged offences did not occur in childcare facilities.

The masthead reported that the exact nature of the connection between Wilson and Brown remains unclear.

Joshua Brown has been charged with 70 offences against eight children in his care. Credit: 7NEWS

Both men were charged following information uncovered by detectives from the Sex Crimes Squad, which led to a police raid and Brown’s arrest in mid-May.

Court records show Wilson is due to appear in court on September 15, the same day as Brown.

Following Brown’s charges, about 1200 children have been recommended for infectious disease screening.

Authorities have not disclosed which diseases are being investigated.

Sexual Assault Services Victoria chief executive Kathleen Maltzahn said the state’s screening system for adults working with children is in urgent need of reform.

“We can’t rely just on working with children checks because they only work if someone has already been found guilty of child abuse,” she told AAP.

“Evidence of abuse or concerning behaviour that hasn’t resulted in criminal charges or disciplinary action (should be) considered.”

Industry bodies, along with state, territory and federal education ministers, have also called for tougher regulations around photography and mandatory reporting.