Julian Gardner (Australian)

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Julian Gardner is an Australian lawyer renowned for his work in community and public sector law.

He is the current 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.

He was one of the founding staff of the Fitzroy Legal Service in 1972, a free legal service for those who cannot afford legal representation. He has also served on and presided over many tribunals.

His past appointments include:

  • National Convener of the Social Security Appeals Tribunal
  • President, Mental Health Review Board
  • Chairman, Work Care Appeals Board
  • Member, Refugee Review Tribunal
  • Director, Victorian Legal Aid Commission