Disability advocate accused of collecting child exploitation material turns himself in

A prominent Canberra disability advocate has been charged with possessing child exploitation material after surrendering to police at the ACT Courthouse. Craig James Wallace, 57, a former policy head of a disability organisation and past president of a national disability rights group, allegedly told police he had been collecting such material "since the internet began."

"since the internet began."

region.com.auDisability advocates to conduct review after ex-policy head allegedly collected child abuse material

Police raided Wallace's home and seized a significant amount of printed child abuse material, according to region.com.au. The alleged collection was substantial enough to warrant the charge of possessing child exploitation material, though further details about the volume seized have not been disclosed.

In response to the charges, the disability organisation that once employed Wallace announced it would conduct an internal review, region.com.au reported. The organisation did not specify the scope or timeline of the review, but the decision signals concern over how an employee with such a public role in disability advocacy could be involved in alleged offences of this nature.

Wallace had been a well-known figure in Canberra's disability community, previously serving as a leader in national disability rights efforts. The case has sent shockwaves through advocacy circles, where his reputation as a dedicated campaigner for inclusion now contrasts sharply with the charges against him.

region.com.au also noted a content warning accompanying its report, reflecting the sensitive nature of the allegations. The legal process is in its early stages, and no conviction has been recorded.