Governor-General Deemed Fit for Ministry After Misconduct Findings

An Anglican Church board has declared Peter Hollingworth "fit for ministry" following a review into his handling of child sex abuse complaints, but the determination comes with a damning finding: the former governor-general committed misconduct in relation to seven of 10 allegations against him.

The Professional Standards Board for the Anglican Diocese of Melbourne issued its decision after a five-year investigation that included a private four-day hearing in February. Though the board found evidence of wrongdoing, it concluded there was no unacceptable risk if Hollingworth remained active in limited, defined ministerial duties.

Hollingworth, 88, acknowledged his failures in a statement. "I made mistakes and I cannot undo them," he said. "Hardly a day has passed in the past 30 years when I have not reflected on these matters and my failings."

He attributed his inadequate handling of abuse complaints partly to inexperience and the weight of legal advice. "I had devoted my life to social justice, pastoral care and healing but I had little experience in dealing with child abuse issues," he explained. "Like other church leaders, I was unduly influenced by the advice of lawyers and insurance companies."

The complaints centred on Hollingworth's time as archbishop of Brisbane throughout the 1990s, when multiple abuse allegations emerged that he failed to address appropriately. One case that drew particular scrutiny involved misconduct allegations against a teacher at Toowoomba Preparatory School. Critics argued Hollingworth's response fell short of the duty expected from a senior church leader, and some called for him to be defrocked.

Hollingworth's ecclesiastical authority eventually led to higher office. He was appointed Australia's 23rd governor-general in 2001. His tenure ended prematurely in 2003 after public revelations about his handling of abuse complaints forced his resignation. During that same period, allegations surfaced that he had assaulted a woman in the 1960s — accusations he denied.

The review was conducted by Kooyoora, an independent body responsible for investigating complaints against clergy on behalf of the Melbourne diocese. The process was lengthy and thorough, reflecting the complexity and sensitivity of the allegations.

The board's ruling, though permitting Hollingworth to remain in ministry, carries significant obligations. He must formally apologise to all those affected by his leadership during his time as archbishop. Melbourne Anglican Archbishop Philip Freier announced he would issue a public reprimand, specifically censuring Hollingworth for retaining two clergy members he knew had committed offences and for his "harsh and insensitive communications" with abuse victims and their families.

Freier said he would publish a detailed statement and would continue working with the Commission for Children and Young People to ensure Hollingworth met his legal obligations going forward.

The decision marks a conclusion to a drawn-out process but may not silence ongoing questions about how religious institutions handle accountability when senior figures fail victims. Hollingworth's case remains a reference point in broader debates about duty of care and institutional responsibility.