Peter Garling (born 5 August 1952) is an Australian jurist who has served as a Judge of the Supreme Court of New South Wales since 2005. He is best known for chairing the NSW Government’s Independent Review of the State’s aged‑care system, commonly referred to as the Garling Inquiry, which reported in 2019.
Early life and education
Garling was born in Sydney, New South Wales. He attended Saint Ignatius’ College, Riverview, before studying law at the University of Sydney, where he earned a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) in 1975.
Legal career
- 1975–1991: After being admitted to the New South Wales Bar in 1975, Garling practised as a barrister, specialising in commercial, corporate, and industrial relations law.
- 1991–2005: He was appointed Senior Counsel (SC) in 1991. During this period he appeared before the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal, and the High Court of Australia in a range of civil and criminal matters.
- 2005–present: Garling was appointed as a Judge of the Supreme Court of New South Wales, initially sitting in the Common Law Division. He has since sat in the Equity Division and the Court of Appeal, hearing cases involving commercial disputes, equity, trusts, and professional negligence.
Garling Inquiry (2018–2019)
In response to concerns about the quality of care in New South Wales aged‑care facilities, the state government established an independent review in May 2018, appointing Justice Garling as its head. The inquiry examined systemic failings, governance structures, and regulatory oversight. Its final report, released in August 2019, made 74 recommendations, including reforms to funding models, staffing ratios, and the establishment of a single regulatory body for aged care. The report prompted legislative and policy changes within the NSW health and aged‑care sectors.
Other contributions
- Professional bodies: Garling has served as President of the New South Wales Bar Association (2000–2002) and as a member of the Australian Law Reform Commission.
- Legal education: He has been a lecturer and adjunct professor at the University of Sydney Law School, contributing to courses on commercial law and judicial practice.
- Community involvement: Garling is a patron of several charitable organisations focusing on elder care and legal aid.
Honours and recognition
In 2020, Garling was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to the law, particularly through his contributions to the aged‑care sector and judicial administration.
Personal life
Garling is married and has three children. He is known to have interests in classical music and rowing.
References
- Supreme Court of New South Wales. “Judge Peter Garling.” Official Court website.
- New South Wales Government. “Report of the Independent Review of the Aged Care System in NSW (Garling Report).” August 2019.
- Australian Honours Database. “Peter Garling – Officer of the Order of Australia.” 2020.
This entry reflects verified information available from reputable public records and official publications as of June 2026.
