The Times Australia
The Times Politics

.

Senator Susan McDonald is new Northern Australia Special Envoy

  • Written by NewsServices.com


Newly named Special Envoy for Northern Australia, Senator Susan McDonald, has pledged to use her position to focus on supply chains - particular within the corridors of growth previously announced by the Morrison Government, regional internet connectivity, new water projects and services that make living in regional centres possible such as child care and aged care.

Senator McDonald, 51 from Townsville, entered the Senate in the 2019 election and has been an active voice for North and regional Queensland.

She was instrumental in setting up a 2020 Senate Inquiry into agriculture’s effect on the Great Barrier Reef, and has been highly successful in securing funds for more mobile phone towers and wireless internet services in the bush.

She began her political journey by posing with a live dairy cow in a suburban shopping centre carpark before the 2019 election to protest low prices being offered by processors to Queensland dairy farmers.

“This appointment is a great honour and I’m determined to repay the faith shown in me by the National Party and the people of Queensland,” she said.

“Northern Australia produces so much wealth for this country, but it’s home to only about 1 million people, so we need strong voices in Canberra to ensure we keep getting funding for the roads, rail, healthcare and internet connectivity enjoyed by those further south.

“I’ve always said that Northern Australia doesn’t want an advantage, we just want a level playing field.

“This means our kids having access to STEM teachers, our roads to be navigable in all conditions and our hospitals and businesses to have reliable, fast internet with which to provide services.

“All this makes the North more liveable and will attract young families looking for good-paying, stable work and a terrific lifestyle.”

Senator McDonald grew up on her family’s cattle property, 70km south of Cloncurry.

She was educated by Correspondence School and Mt Isa School of the Air before boarding school in Brisbane.

Her first job was cooking for a stock camp and working at Expo ’88 in Brisbane before going to the University of Queensland to study accounting with the idea she would go back to the family station to handle the bookkeeping.

But circumstances changed and she ended up in Brisbane where she worked in different businesses as an Accountant before going in as Chief of Staff for Natural Resources and Mines Minister, Andrew Cripps.

Senator McDonald’s family had bought a chain of butcher shops in Brisbane and the Gold Coast and she ran them for 6 years before being elected to the Australian Senate for Queensland.

She has three teenaged kids and is now based in Townsville.

She was elected to the Senate in May, 2019 after securing the No.2 spot on Queensland’s Liberal National Party ticket. She is currently the chairman of the Federal Government’s Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport committee.

She will soon conduct a tour of Northern Australia while Parliament is in its winter recess.

“Mining, agriculture, transport, water, health and education are all top priorities that will be speaking to stakeholders about in coming weeks,” she said.

“The corridors of growth from Darwin to the Great Australian Bight and the Gulf of Carpentaria to Victoria were identified in 2020, and complement the Tennant Creek to Townsville corridor which will be a focus in regards to freight movement and connectivity.

“I suspect I will return to Canberra armed with plenty of work to lobby Ministers for, but I won’t apologise for that.

“The Morrison Government has proven it has made Northern Australia a priority, and it’s my job to ensure this keeps happening as quickly as possible.”

Times Magazine

Headless CMS in Digital Twins and 3D Product Experiences

Image by freepik As the metaverse becomes more advanced and accessible, it's clear that multiple sectors will use digital twins and 3D product experiences to visualize, connect, and streamline efforts better. A digital twin is a virtual replica of ...

The Decline of Hyper-Casual: How Mid-Core Mobile Games Took Over in 2025

In recent years, the mobile gaming landscape has undergone a significant transformation, with mid-core mobile games emerging as the dominant force in app stores by 2025. This shift is underpinned by changing user habits and evolving monetization tr...

Understanding ITIL 4 and PRINCE2 Project Management Synergy

Key Highlights ITIL 4 focuses on IT service management, emphasising continual improvement and value creation through modern digital transformation approaches. PRINCE2 project management supports systematic planning and execution of projects wit...

What AI Adoption Means for the Future of Workplace Risk Management

Image by freepik As industrial operations become more complex and fast-paced, the risks faced by workers and employers alike continue to grow. Traditional safety models—reliant on manual oversight, reactive investigations, and standardised checklist...

From Beach Bops to Alpine Anthems: Your Sonos Survival Guide for a Long Weekend Escape

Alright, fellow adventurers and relaxation enthusiasts! So, you've packed your bags, charged your devices, and mentally prepared for that glorious King's Birthday long weekend. But hold on, are you really ready? Because a true long weekend warrior kn...

Effective Commercial Pest Control Solutions for a Safer Workplace

Keeping a workplace clean, safe, and free from pests is essential for maintaining productivity, protecting employee health, and upholding a company's reputation. Pests pose health risks, can cause structural damage, and can lead to serious legal an...

The Times Features

The Role of Your GP in Creating a Chronic Disease Management Plan That Works

Living with a long-term condition, whether that is diabetes, asthma, arthritis or heart disease, means making hundreds of small decisions every day. You plan your diet against m...

Troubleshooting Flickering Lights: A Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners

Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik Effectively addressing flickering lights in your home is more than just a matter of convenience; it's a pivotal aspect of both home safety and en...

My shins hurt after running. Could it be shin splints?

If you’ve started running for the first time, started again after a break, or your workout is more intense, you might have felt it. A dull, nagging ache down your shins after...

Metal Roof Replacement Cost Per Square Metre in 2025: A Comprehensive Guide for Australian Homeowners

In recent years, the trend of installing metal roofs has surged across Australia. With their reputation for being both robust and visually appealing, it's easy to understand thei...

Why You’re Always Adjusting Your Bra — and What to Do Instead

Image by freepik It starts with a gentle tug, then a subtle shift, and before you know it, you're adjusting your bra again — in the middle of work, at dinner, even on the couch. I...

How to Tell If Your Eyes Are Working Harder Than They Should Be

Image by freepik Most of us take our vision for granted—until it starts to let us down. Whether it's squinting at your phone, rubbing your eyes at the end of the day, or feeling ...