Armando Gardiman AM
LLB 1980, LLD 2024
Armando Gardiman AM speaks after receiving the UNSW Honorary Doctor of Laws, May 2024.
From modest beginnings to legal luminary
Armando's remarkable journey began in 1974 when he commenced his law degree, culminating in his graduation with an LLB in 1980. Today, he serves as the managing partner of Turner Freeman Lawyers, a prestigious firm with over 18 offices nationwide. However, this achievement is just a fraction of his compelling story.
Armando's roots trace back to a modest upbringing. His parents, Italian immigrants, raised their family on a small subsistence farm in the hills outside Nimbin, NSW. Defying the odds, Armando became the first in his family to finish school and the first student from Nimbin Central School to attend law school. As a university student, Armando distinguished himself with his dedication to justice and fairness.
Following university, Armando emerged as one of Australia's leading lawyers in toxic torts. He is particularly renowned for representing people who developed fatal lung cancer from asbestos exposure. He tirelessly advocated for hundreds of sufferers to ensure their families received financial compensation, often visiting them in the hospital at any hour. To many families affected by asbestos, Armando is a hero.
Armando's commitment to justice extended beyond individual cases. For years, without compensation, he argued for legislation to aid asbestos-related disease sufferers. His efforts bore fruit in 1998 when NSW enacted a law ensuring that a victim’s compensation survived their death for the benefit of their dependants. This legislation, now reflected across all Australian states and territories, is a testament to Armando's relentless work, benefiting asbestos victims nationwide.
Further demonstrating his dedication, Armando worked without remuneration to prompt the NSW government to launch the 2004 Jackson Special Commission of Inquiry into James Hardie's underfunded compensation foundation for asbestos victims. His contributions to this inquiry were substantial, and the Inquiry found evidence of deceptive conduct by James Hardie Industries and its senior executives.
Armando also played a pivotal role in establishing the Asbestos Diseases Research Foundation in 2006, a non-profit organisation supporting research into asbestos and other dust-related diseases. As Bernie Banton AM became the public face of the foundation's efforts, Armando was the driving force behind the scenes, securing funding and organising campaigns.
In 2009, the Foundation's efforts led to the Asbestos Diseases Research Institute at Concord Hospital. Armando's work was crucial in raising the funds needed to build and staff the institute, including securing a grant from the Rudd government.
Armando continues to work long hours, often without public acknowledgment or financial reward, striving to improve treatments for asbestos-related diseases. His exceptional legal expertise has been consistently recognised. His numerous High Court cases have significantly reshaped the national landscape of tortious liability for dust diseases.
Throughout his career, Armando has been driven by a commitment to giving a voice to the disadvantaged, representing them during their most stressful times with unwavering integrity.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Armando was awarded the Order of Australia (AM) in 2016. In 2024, he was awarded the Honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) from UNSW. His journey from a humble background to a leading legal figure exemplifies his dedication, compassion, and remarkable impact on society.
This is an edited transcript of the Occasional Address by Dr Shane Simpson AM, who presented Armando Gardiman AM with the UNSW Honorary Doctor of Laws in May 2024.