Stuart Barber, a financial advocacy officer with Senior Rights Service, OPAN’s New South Wales network member.
Tell us a little about your background.
I wasn’t always a ‘money guy’. I started as a graphic designer and was quite successful in that field. Then, I got into social work, youth work, and adult mental health before completely pivoting again – into finance.
Eventually, I became a financial adviser, often helping retirees and pre-retirees navigate Services Australia. I enjoyed helping people and solving financial problems, but not the stress of managing other people’s money. That’s when I got into financial counselling.
What made you decide to become a financial advocacy officer?
It looked like a mix of the things I enjoy and a great opportunity to really do some good, so I jumped at it.
What do you like most about your job/the work?
Juggling care and wellbeing while navigating the financial issues of aged care can be stressful and difficult for older persons and their loved ones. Cruel even. When I can help older people get out of trouble or, better yet, avoid the pitfalls in the first place, it can be life-changing for them and their family and that makes it all worthwhile.
What has being an advocate taught you?
To be more patient. The sheer volume of people moving through this system means it can take months for a person’s means assessment to be corrected if it wasn’t done properly the first time. That can be frustrating, because if fees are wrong, they just roll on.
And when you think you have done all you can, push a little more – you miss all the shots you never take.
What’s is the most surprising thing that’s happened to you on the job?
Sometimes, providers surprise you. There have been times when providers have been quite belligerent despite being in the wrong. And others where they quickly put things right when I was expecting a long fight.
I have also had a few callers from quite ‘famous’ families. I guess that even the very fortunate among us can find themselves lost in the aged care financial system.
What would you consider to be your greatest achievement (personal or professional)?
Since we started financial advocacy at Seniors Right Service about 2 years ago, our small team has managed to get nearly $1,000,000 worth of fees refunded, waived or reassessed in our client’s favour. We keep a tally. Money isn’t everything and it doesn’t always show the full extent of the work involved, but this tally is a nice reminder of the tangible good we do for older people. The only downside is that not enough people know we exist and reach out to us.
What makes you get out of bed in the morning?
My alarm, to go for a run or to the gym. I’m a morning person – I like to get things done early before they can get derailed later in the day.
If you weren’t an advocate, what would you do instead?
All my favourite jobs involve arguing with people for some kind of social justice or ethical outcome. This is helpful at work, but I imagine it could make me a bit of a pest in the street – maybe me staying an advocate is best for everyone.
What do you do to recharge?
It’s a cliché mid-40s man hobby, but around 7 years ago, I got right into running. I go out early in the morning and run in the mountains or the beach.
What would be your ‘perfect’ day?
Some quiet, solo kilometres while the sun comes up then back home to spend the rest of the day relaxing with my family or a good book.
What’s the one possession you couldn’t live without?
I can’t think of anything. The longer I live, the more I realise I don’t need much and that and even things I thought I needed, I probably could do without.
If you could have lunch with anyone, alive or dead, who would it be and why?
Mark Boyle, author of The Moneyless Man, which follows on from the idea of not needing much to be happy. I’d like to help him make lunch because he’s one of those foraging, interesting guys who gets food from dumpsters.
