One of Australia’s worst paedophiles, Ashley Paul Griffith, is appealing his life sentence.

The former childcare worker’s lawyers are arguing the punishment is manifestly excessive.

Griffith pleaded guilty to more than 300 separate crimes dating back more than 20 years. The charges included 190 counts of indecently treating a child, 67 counts of creating child exploitation material and 28 counts of rape.

Brisbane District Court Judge Paul Smith imposed a non-parole period of 27 years, saying Griffith was “depraved and has a high risk of reoffending”.

“People expect their children will be protected in childcare centres and this will be a concern to every parent in this state,” he said.

9News understands the appeal documents were formalised and lodged late last month but the development was only revealed today.