Who is the Director of Forensic Disability?

The Director of Forensic Disability (the Director) is an independent statutory appointment made under the Forensic Disability Act 2011 (the Act). The main functions of the Director include:

• ensuring the protection of the rights of forensic disability clients under the Act
• ensuring the involuntary detention, assessment, care, support and protection of forensic disability clients complies with the Act
• facilitating the proper and efficient administration of the Act
• monitoring and auditing compliance with the Act
• promoting community awareness and understanding of the administration of the Act
• advising and reporting to the Minister on any matter relating to the administration of the Act.

The Director of Forensic Disability may also be a party in Mental Health Court proceedings involving individuals with an intellectual or cognitive disability where these individuals may benefit from the services of the FDS.

The Director is not responsible for the day to day operations of the Forensic Disability Service. The day to day operations including the running of the facility and the management of the clients is the responsibility of the Administrator, and the Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety.

Current Director of Forensic Disability

Elizabeth Lane is the Director of Forensic Disability for Queensland. She was appointed for five years by the Governor in Council in September 2023.

Elizabeth is a registered psychologist and has over 20 years experience within the Queensland disability sector and approximately 8 years within the forensic disability area. Prior to being appointed as the Director of Forensic Disability she acted in the role for several months and prior to this was the Principal Advisor to the Director of Forensic Disability. Her career background includes psychology roles within mental health and disability sectors, as well as various project and management positions.

Officers of the Director of Forensic Disability

The Director is supported by a team of 6 staff who assist with legal, clinical and administrative functions.