Convict to Treasurer in five generations

Treasurer Troy Buswell today presented official certificates at Fremantle Prison's Descendant's Day Ceremony to more than 60 people who have family links to Western Australia's convict past.

The annual Descendants Day event recognised the importance of the convict system in establishing WA, following the arrival of the first convicts on June 1, 1850.

"The ceremony is in its 18th year and recognises descendants of British convicts, pensioner guards and warders transported to this State from 1850 to 1868," Mr Buswell said.

"We may have kept our ancestry a closely-guarded secret in the past, but today's event shows we want to embrace and celebrate our shared cultural heritage."

The Treasurer joins the list of WA politicians embracing their convict history with recognition of two of his own convict ancestors.

"Research by Fremantle Prison archivists has found the record of one Joseph Buswell - convict number 3223 and my great-great-grandfather - who was transported for the crime of stealing three gold coins," he said.

"It says great things for our State that in five generations, we've gone from transported thief to State Treasurer."

Mr Buswell said Fremantle Prison was a valuable link to WA's past and of great importance to its future.

"In January 2008, the prison was nominated for inscription on the World Heritage List as part of a serial listing of 11 Australian convict sites under the theme of forced migration," he said.

Visitors can experience Fremantle Prison on a range of Prison Day Tours, Tunnels Tours and Torchlight Tours.

Applications for Descendants Day 2010 are now open.  For more information, contact Fremantle Prison on 9336 9200 or visit http://www.fremantleprison.com.au

Treasurer's office: 9222 9111