Fairbridge child abuse investigated in WA

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The return of a register of child migrants to Fairbridge farm sparked investigations into child abuse in the first half of last century.

Joe Catanzaro is a journalist with the West Australian newspaper.

In the registry were details of over a thousand child migrants who came from the UK to Fairbridge Farm near Pinjarra between 1913 and 1961.

The fact that over 200 ex gratia payments made to claimants for abuse under state care is perhaps an indication of the level of abuse that had happened there, says Joe.

The registry also contained files, he says, that were unsigned and undated. The "paint a harrowing picture of despair", according to Joe.

Click HERE to listen to the interview from South West Mornings as Joe talks about the documentation and its significance.

Note: the Fairbridge WA organisation which runs the heritage site now began in 1983 and has no connection with child migration.