Stuart is a director of FundAssist and is a director of SRA Consulting. His qualifications include a Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Economics (University of Queensland), a Bachelor of Economics (University of Queensland), a Bachelor of Commerce (University of Queensland), an Advanced Diploma of Business (University of Southern Queensland), a Diploma of Export Management (Aust. Institute of Export) and a Certificate of Business in Regional Economic Development (Centre for Australian Regional Enterprise Development).

Stuart has broad experience in the Queensland Government, having worked in the Department of Family Services, the Department of Primary Industries (Agribusiness), the Department of Economic Development & Trade (Infrastructure & International Development), and the Department of Primary Industries (Forestry). During is time in the Department of Family Services he produced the Queensland Government's first report on the economic impact of an ageing population, including an assessment of intergenerational equity effects. The report was highly acclaimed with agencies from all over Australia expressing interest in the methodology and findings. During his time with the Department of Primary Industries, Stuart was leading co-author of a publication on international marketing in horticulture 'Horticulture Trade & Investment - A Marketing Perspective'.

Stuart has extensive experience in Regional Economic Development having worked in that field for the last 11 years. His former positions include: Senior Project Officer, North Queensland Economic Development Board (covering 9 Shires in northern Queensland ); General Manager, Central Highlands Development Corporation (covering 4 Shires in central Queensland ); General Manager, ARGO Pty Ltd (covering Australia & Asia - specializing in regional development, funding, economic & feasibility studies, architectural services and facility operations management). His knowledge in the field of community economic development and funding has seen him speak at many conferences and conduct many workshops throughout Queensland and interstate. He is renowned for his grant funding achievements.

He has been actively involved in several committees relating to community economic development. In 1999 he was Chair of the Selection Committee for the Federation Cultural Heritage Program for the Federal electorate of Maranoa and was Chair of the Advisory Committee for the Central Highlands Community Employment Trust. In 1998 he was a member of the Regional Arts Development Fund for the Emerald Shire. Since 1999 he has been Chairman of the Emerald Friends of J Committee, assisting the youth of the region to gain access to Triple J radio. He is presently also a member of the Cabarita Beach Development Control Plan Committee of the Tweed Shire Council and a member of the Cabarita Beach/Bogangar Residents Association. His former memberships include the following: Logistics Director - The Ingham Australian-Italian Festival, 1996 – 1997; Secretary - DPI Forestry Market Information Systems Committee, 1995 – 1996; Member - Timber Industry Advisory Group, 1995 - 1996; Member - DPI Forestry Risk Management Co-ordinating Committee, 1995; Member - Australian Society of Sport Administrators, 1993 - 1994; National Sport Co-ordinator - Australian Universities Sport Federation, 1994; Member - Management Committee, Brisbane Australian Football League, 1994; Sport Event Co-ordinator - Australian Universities Games, 1993.

Stuart's work on the Emerald Airport Upgrade Proposal (funding submission) saw him win 3rd place in the Australia New Zealand Regional Science Association International's 'National Regional Development Practitioner Awards' in 1999. He was also the first person in Australia to complete the Certificate in Business (Regional Economic Development) through CARED/Southern Cross University. During his studies at the University of Queensland he won the Brett Prize for Commerce & Economics in 1991.