Ms Leneen Forde and the Forde Inquiry
The Commission of Inquiry (or the Forde Inquiry) was the first inquiry into child abuse and neglect in institutions in Australia.
The Inquiry, headed up by Ms Leneen Forde AC, commenced in 1998. The Forde report was tabled in the Queensland Parliament in June 1999.
In the final report, Ms Forde makes a dedication to those who came forward to tell their stories and to all the victims of abuse in institutions. Ms Forde hoped it would be a small step on the long road to healing and reparation.
In August 1999, the Queensland Government released the Queensland Government Response to Recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry into abuse of children in Institutions, accepting a recommendation leading to establishment of the Forde Foundation.
The Forde Foundation was established in 2000 with Ms Forde appointed as founding Chair of the Forde Foundation Board of Advice. Ms Forde held the position for seven years before accepting her current role as Patron of the Foundation.
Ms Forde’s career
Before the Forde Inquiry, Ms Forde already had a distinguished career.
Born and educated in Ottawa, Canada, Ms Forde commenced work as a medical laboratory technician and studied part-time for a Bachelor of Arts before moving to Australia in 1954.
Ms Forde then worked in the Haematology Department of Royal Brisbane Hospital for two years before commencing full-time legal study following her husband’s death in 1966. She graduated with a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Queensland in 1970 and began her career as a solicitor.
From 1974 to 1992, Ms Forde was a Partner of Cannan & Peterson legal practice and in charge of probate and estates.
Ms Forde was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia in 1993 and is a Dame of Grace in the Order of St John of Jerusalem. She was International President of Zonta from 1990 until 1992 and Queenslander of the Year in 1991.
From 1992 to 1997, Ms Forde was the Governor of Queensland. She was the first woman to take on the role in Queensland and the second woman to be appointed to the position of Governor in Australia.
From 2000 to 2015, Ms Forde was the Chancellor of Griffith University.
Ms Forde continues to serve her community.
Extract from Ms Forde’s foreword in her report
“I have been impressed by the courage of those who came forward, often moved by the hardships they have endured, and saddened that such abuses were somehow permitted to take place. The accounts that I have heard and read have left a lasting impression and I will never forget them.
For all those who came forward to tell their stories, and to all victims of abuse in institutions, I dedicate this report to you, and hope that it will be a small step on the long road to healing and reparation.
It was society that failed those children. In acknowledging that, we must ensure that the same wrongs are not repeated.”
Honourable Leneen Forde, Chair of the Commission of Inquiry into the Abuse of Children in Queensland Institutions.
Last updated: 06 June 2025