Julian Gardner (lawyer)
Julian Gardner is an Australian lawyer renowned for his promotion of human rights through the practice of law.
From February 2000 to April 2007, Gardner was the Public Advocate for the Australian state of Victoria. The Public Advocate is appointed by the Governor of Victoria for seven years. The Advocate protects the legal rights of Victorians over 18 years old with disabilities, often by intervening in court actions, holding and exercising legal guardianship over disabled persons, and/or petitioning other government agencies on behalf of disabled persons. In 2005, as the Victorian Public Advocate, he made the high profile decision to allow the removal of Maria Korp's feeding tube, which ultimately resulted in her death.[1]
In 1972, he was one of the founding staff of the Fitzroy Legal Service, working as the agency's Legal Co-ordinator. Fitzroy Legal Service is a free legal service for those who cannot afford legal representation.
He has been the chairperson/chief executive officer of several public sector agencies and tribunals.
His appointments include:
- President, Victorian Mental Health Review Board
- National Convener, Commonwealth Social Security Appeals Tribunal
- Member, Commonwealth Refugee Review Tribunal
- Chairperson, WorkCare Appeals Board
- Director, Victorian Legal Aid Commission
- Member, Australian Press Council