Men’s Sheds of WA tight-lipped after revelations convicted paedophile John Boulton was chairman of Mandurah chapter

The Men’s Sheds of WA has remained tight-lipped after revelations its Mandurah chapter, which is located on a school grounds, is chaired by a convicted paedophile. Earlier this week, it was revealed that John Charles Boulton was the chair of the Mandurah Men’s Shed, which is located on the grounds of John Tonkin College, Tindale Campus. The campus educates children from as young as Year 7. Mr Boulton was jailed in 2000 for sexually abusing two girls aged three and five. He has served as the chair of the shed for 11 years and for the last eight years, the shed has been based at the school. But even after the revelations were made public, Men’s Sheds of WA president Trevor Taylor chose not to add to earlier comments where he stated the organisation “had no knowledge” of Boulton’s crimes - or the “evidence” put forward, but “(appreciated) the seriousness of the issues”. Mr Taylor also previously stressed MSWA plays no role in the management of any individual men’s shed. “This includes all issues relating to the shed’s membership and management and committee appointments,” he said. “Similarly, the authorisations required by any men’s shed to operate in its particular location are a matter for that shed. MSWA has no right to control who attends any men’s shed.” The association declined to comment further, even after excerpts from court transcripts and an interview with a victim were published. In response to the exclusive report, WA Education Minister Sue Ellery has directed the Department of Education to “review its procedures and processes in regards to community visitors using school grounds for various activities” and described the revelations as “concerning”. The elder survivor of Boulton’s abuse said she welcomed the Minister’s review of procedures. “My mission was to get the right people to listen and make changes to help keep kids and their families safe,” she said. “This is a great start.” WA Child Protection Minister Simone McGurk also said she was “concerned by this revelation” and agreed with Ms Ellery’s decision to review procedures. Ms McGurk said the Department of Communities did not fund or regulate individual community men’s sheds. “The matter is now under investigation by the WA Police Force,” she said. The shed has paused operations due to coronavirus restrictions. Mr Boulton has said he would resign once restrictions were lifted.