He took an early interest in politics, joined the Scottish Labour Party, probably influenced by his observations of the poor conditions in the Clydeside shipyards and other working-class areas in Glasgow.

He was sponsored by a cousin in Mackay, where he settled, worked as a painter and decorator, and married a local farmer's daughter, Euphemia (Effie) Margaret Wilson (15 January 1913-12 October 1958).

The election saw a decisive victory for Labor under T. J. Ryan, and Forgan Smith won the seat and entered Parliament.

When Prime Minister Hughes called for conscription to be introduced, Forgan Smith joined Premier Ryan in opposing it.

[3] Forgan Smith read heavily on Parliamentary procedure; his knowledge meant he was made a temporary Chairman of Committees in 1917, a position which became permanent in 1920.

He concentrated his criticism of the government of A. E. Moore on its decision to closely follow the Premiers' Plan, which Forgan Smith believed to be only making the depression worse.

Caucus elected a cabinet of generally moderate members – the radicalism of the Ryan Government had largely gone from the Queensland ALP by this time.

He embarked on a number of ambitious schemes, including the Story Bridge, an upgrade of Mackay Harbour, the Somerset Dam (which was not completed until after the end of his premiership) and a new building for the University of Queensland at St. Lucia that now bears his name.

[citation needed] Under Forgan Smith's rule, the weekly payments received by relief workers were raised to the level of the basic wage (a measure financed by a graduated income tax), while a major public works programme was initiated which boosted job opportunities and provided the state which major constructions of lasting worth.

As noted by Ross McMullin, the establishment of these new faculties 'was part of the co-ordinated development of the university and Queensland's health services.'

In 1938, the Premier could say without fear of being contradicted that Queensland enjoyed ‘the highest wage system, the best conditions of labour and the lowest unemployment’ in the country.

'[4] Sometimes Forgan Smith incurred criticism for being authoritarian and dictatorial, although he was neither the first nor the last premier of his state to inspire such accusations.

[3] He used his strong and forceful personality to dominate the cabinet and parliament, and his government passed a number of controversial pieces of legislation.

For instance, he added clauses to the 1936 Racing Bill which made it harder for reporters to find out and divulge information about proposed legislation, which drew heavy criticism from the press.

The first Queensland premier to make wide use of radio, Forgan Smith was an effective speaker, and he made a good impression on many of those who listened to him.

Radio allowed him to reach a wider audience than he could otherwise have done, and he also travelled throughout the state, especially to turn the first sod on a new public works project.

While in Sydney on Sugar Board business, Forgan Smith died suddenly on 25 September 1953 from a heart condition caused by his cancer.

[3] Forgan Smith was accorded a State funeral,[1] the procession moving from St Andrew's Presbyterian Church to his burial place at Toowong Cemetery.