Barton’s Mill Prison originally functioned as a timber workers’ camp. In 1942 the military requisitioned Fremantle Prison at short notice, leaving authorities with no option but to find another location for the inmates. Barton’s Mill was chosen, initially housing all prisoners until escapees and those considered a maximum security risk were returned to Fremantle.
Young male offenders were placed at Barton’s Mill Prison in conditions that were considered by many at the time to be inappropriate and dangerous. Boys were reportedly locked into rooms individually at night, however accounts from a superintendent at the time state that there was no segregation between any of the inmates, or between inmates and boys despite sexual and other serious offenders being present in the prison population.
Following a number of articles in the West Australian about conditions at the prison, an inquiry was called into housing boys at the prison. Sexual abuse of boys at the prison was alleged in the Royal Commission Appointed to Inquire into the Care and Reform of Youthful Delinquents.
The prison closed in October 1975.
From
1942
To
1975
1942 - 1989
Barton's Mill Prison was established during World War II at Pickering Brook, Western Australia (Building Demolished)
