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{{Short description|Australian politician}}
{{About|the Australian federal politician|the New South Wales politician|Ian Macdonald (New South Wales politician)|other people with similarly spelled names|Ian McDonald (disambiguation)}}
{{About|the Australian federal politician|the New South Wales politician|Ian Macdonald (New South Wales politician)|other people with similarly spelled names|Ian McDonald (disambiguation)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2021}}
{{Use Australian English|date=January 2016}}
{{Use Australian English|date=August 2021}}
{{Infobox officeholder
{{Infobox officeholder
| honorific-prefix = [[Australian Senate|Senator]] [[The Honourable]]
| honorific-prefix = [[The Honourable]]
| name = Ian Macdonald
| name = Ian Macdonald
| honorific-suffix =
| honorific-suffix = {{post-nominals|country=AUS|AM|size=100%}}
| image =
| image = Ian Douglas Macdonald.jpg
| office = [[Father of the Australian Parliament]]
| office2 = [[Australian Senate|Senator]] for [[Queensland]]
| term_start = 10 May 2016
| term_start2 = 1 July 1990
| term_end = 30 June 2019
| term_end2 = 30 June 2019
⚫
| office = [[Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources (Australia)|Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation]]
| predecessor = [[Philip Ruddock]]
| successor = [[Kevin Andrews (politician)|Kevin Andrews]]
| term_start = 26 November 2001
| office1 = [[Father of the Australian Senate|Father of the Senate]]
| term_end = 27 January 2006
| term_start1 = 6 February 2015
| predecessor = [[Wilson Tuckey]]
| term_end1 = 30 June 2019
| successor = [[Eric Abetz]]
⚫
| office1 = [[Minister for Regional Services, Decentralisation and Local Government|Minister for Regional Services, Territories and Local Government]]
| predecessor1 = [[John Faulkner]]
| successor1 = [[Kim Carr]]
| term_start1 = 21 October 1998
| office2 = [[Australian Senate|Senator]] for [[Queensland]]
| term_end1 = 26 November 2001
| term_start2 = 1 July 1990
| predecessor1 = [[Alex Somlyay]]
| term_end2 = 30 June 2019
| successor1 = [[Wilson Tuckey]]
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1945|11|29}}
⚫
| office3 = [[Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources (Australia)|Minister for Forestry and Conservation / Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation]]
| term_start3 = 26 November 2001
| birth_place = [[Brisbane]], Queensland, Australia
| term_end3 = 27 January 2006
| death_date =
| predecessor3 = [[Wilson Tuckey]]
| death_place =
| successor3 = [[Eric Abetz]]
| nationality = Australian
⚫
| spouse =
⚫
| office4 = [[Minister for Home Affairs (Australia)|Minister for Regional Services, Territories and Local Government]]
| term_start4 = 21 October 1998
| party = [[Liberal Party of Australia]]
| term_end4 = 26 November 2001
| relations =
| predecessor4 = [[Alex Somlyay]]
| children =
| successor4 = [[Wilson Tuckey]]
| residence =
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1945|11|29}}
| alma_mater =
⚫
| occupation = Solicitor
| birth_place = [[Brisbane]], Queensland, Australia
| death_date =
| profession =
| death_place =
| religion =
| nationality = Australian
| signature =
| spouse =
| website =
| party = [[Liberal Party of Australia]]
| footnotes =
| relations =
| caption = Macdonald circa 2005
| children =
| residence =
| alma_mater =
⚫
| occupation = Solicitor
| profession =
| religion =
| signature =
⚫
| website =
| footnotes =
}}
}}
'''Ian Douglas Macdonald''' (born 29 November 1945), Australian politician, has been a [[Liberal Party of Australia|Liberal]] member of the [[Australian Senate]] since July 1990, representing Queensland. He is currently both the [[Father of the Australian Senate|Father of the Senate]] and the [[Father of the Australian Parliament|Father of the Parliament]].
'''Ian Douglas Macdonald''' {{Post-nominals|AM|country=AUS}} (born 29 November 1945) is an Australian former politician who served as a [[Australian Senate|Senator]] for [[Queensland]] from 1990 to 2019, representing the [[Liberal Party of Australia|Liberal Party]]. He was [[Minister for Regional Services, Decentralisation and Local Government|Minister for Regional Services, Territories and Local Government]] (1998–2001) and [[Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources (Australia)|Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation]] (2001–2006) in the [[Howard government]]. He was defeated at the [[2019 Australian federal election|2019 federal election]], having been the longest-serving incumbent member of parliament for the final years of his career.

⚫
In July 2018, Macdonald was demoted to fourth position on the LNP ticket, from which victory was considered very unlikely.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/jul/06/lnp-dumps-ian-macdonald-and-barry-osullivan-from-senate-ticket | title=LNP dumps Ian Macdonald and Barry O'Sullivan from Senate ticket | work=Guardian Australia | date=6 July 2018 | accessdate=17 Aug 2018}}</ref> In the 2019 federal election he lost his senate seat, and will cease to be a senator from 1 July 2019.


== Early life ==
== Early life ==
He was born in [[Brisbane]], Queensland, and was a solicitor before entering politics. He was also a Councillor in the [[Shire of Burdekin|Burdekin Shire Council]] 1979–90. He was Vice-President of the Liberal Party in Queensland from 1987 to 1990.
Macdonald was born in [[Brisbane]], Queensland, and was a solicitor before entering politics. He was also a Councillor in the [[Shire of Burdekin|Burdekin Shire Council]] 1979–90. He was Vice-President of the Liberal Party in Queensland from 1987 to 1990.


== Early political career ==
== Early political career ==
In 1992, Macdonald was appointed to the Opposition Shadow Ministry<ref name=APH>{{cite web|title=Senator the Hon Ian Macdonald|url=http://www.aph.gov.au/Senators_and_Members/Parliamentarian?MPID=YW4|website=Parliament of Australia|accessdate=21 June 2014}}</ref> under Liberal leader [[John Hewson]] as Shadow Minister for Local Government and the Australian Capital Territory. In 1994, following [[Alexander Downer]]'s accession to the party leadership, Macdonald was given the positions of Shadow Minister for Regional Development and Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and continued to serve at these positions under Opposition leader [[John Howard]].<ref name=APH/>
In 1992, Macdonald was appointed to the Opposition Shadow Ministry<ref name=APH>{{cite web|title=Senator the Hon Ian Macdonald|url=http://www.aph.gov.au/Senators_and_Members/Parliamentarian?MPID=YW4|website=Parliament of Australia|access-date=21 June 2014}}</ref> under Liberal leader [[John Hewson]] as Shadow Minister for Local Government and the Australian Capital Territory. In 1994, following [[Alexander Downer]]'s accession to the party leadership, Macdonald was given the positions of Shadow Minister for Regional Development and Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and continued to serve at these positions under Opposition leader [[John Howard]].<ref name=APH/>


== Howard Government ==
== Howard government ==
Following the election of the [[Howard Government]], Senator Macdonald was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for the Environment in 1996. In 1998, MacDonald was appointed to the Cabinet of the [[Second Howard Ministry]] as [[Minister for Home Affairs (Australia)|Minister for Regional Services, Territories and Local Government]]
Following the election of the [[Howard government]], Macdonald was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for the Environment in 1996. In 1998, MacDonald was appointed to the [[Second Howard Ministry]] as [[Minister for Regional Services, Decentralisation and Local Government|Minister for Regional Services, Territories and Local Government]].


In 2001, Macdonald was appointed [[Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources (Australia)|Minister for Forestry and Conservation]] in the [[Third Howard Ministry]] but switched to the portfolio of Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation in November 2002. He continued in this position in the [[Fourth Howard Ministry]] until January 2006 when he lost his position in a Cabinet reshuffle triggered by the retirement of [[Robert Hill (Australian politician)|Robert Hill]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Ministers depart ahead of reshuffle|url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/ministers-depart-ahead-of-reshuffle/2006/01/22/1137864791586.html|newspaper=[[The Age]]|publisher=[[Fairfax Media]]|location=Melbourne|agency=[[Australian Associated Press|AAP]]|date=22 January 2006|accessdate=16 December 2007}}</ref>
In 2001, Macdonald was appointed [[Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources (Australia)|Minister for Forestry and Conservation]] in the [[Third Howard Ministry]]. His portfolio was renamed Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation in November 2002. He continued in this position in the [[Fourth Howard Ministry]] until January 2006 when he lost his position in a Cabinet reshuffle triggered by the retirement of [[Robert Hill (Australian politician)|Robert Hill]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Ministers depart ahead of reshuffle|url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/ministers-depart-ahead-of-reshuffle/2006/01/22/1137864791586.html|newspaper=[[The Age]]|publisher=[[Fairfax Media]]|location=Melbourne|agency=[[Australian Associated Press|AAP]]|date=22 January 2006|access-date=16 December 2007}}</ref>


== Return to Opposition ==
== Return to Opposition ==
Following the defeat of the Howard Government in 2007, Macdonald was appointed to the Opposition Shadow Ministry of [[Brendan Nelson]] as Shadow Minister Assisting the Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Minister for Northern Australia. On 22 September 2008, following the election of [[Malcolm Turnbull]] as Opposition Leader, Macdonald lost his position as Shadow Minister Assisting the Leader of the Opposition but retained the position of Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Northern Australia.<ref>[http://www.liberal.org.au/news.php?Id=1654 Appointment of Shadow Ministry]</ref>
Following the defeat of the Howard government in 2007, Macdonald was appointed to the Opposition Shadow Ministry of [[Brendan Nelson]] as Shadow Minister Assisting the Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Minister for Northern Australia. On 22 September 2008, following the election of [[Malcolm Turnbull]] as Opposition Leader, Macdonald lost his position as Shadow Minister Assisting the Leader of the Opposition but retained the position of Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Northern Australia.<ref>[http://www.liberal.org.au/news.php?Id=1654 Appointment of Shadow Ministry]</ref>


In 2009, Macdonald lost his position in the Shadow Cabinet following Tony Abbott's accession to the Liberal leadership, but was appointed Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Northern and Remote Australia.<ref name=APH/> In 2010, he also took on the position of Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for the Defence Force and Defence Support.
In 2009, Macdonald lost his position in the Shadow Cabinet following Tony Abbott's accession to the Liberal leadership, but was appointed Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Northern and Remote Australia.<ref name=APH/> In 2010, he also took on the position of Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for the Defence Force and Defence Support.


== Final years in parliament ==
⚫
=== Controversy ===
⚫
On 16 September 2013, following the election of the [[Abbott government]], it was announced that despite Tony Abbott's stated aim of ministry continuity Macdonald had been dropped from the frontbench. Senator Macdonald described this day as "one of the worst" days in his life.<ref>{{cite news|first=Marissa|last=Calligeros|title='Worst day of my life': Queensland Senator misses frontbench seat|url=http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/worst-day-of-my-life-queensland-senator-misses-frontbench-seat-20130916-2ttes.html|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|publisher=Fairfax Media|date=16 September 2013|access-date=5 July 2016}}</ref>
⚫
On 3 November 2011 during debate on carbon tax legislation, Macdonald stated "[[GetUp!]] is the [[Hitler Youth]] wing of the [[Green politics|Greens]] political movement."<ref>{{cite news|title=Hansard|publisher=[[Parliament of Australia]]|date=3 November 2011|url=http://www.aph.gov.au/hansard/senate/dailys/ds031111.pdf|accessdate=2011-11-04}}{{dead link|date=December 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Senator Macdonald stood by his comments when challenged.<ref>{{cite news|title=Greens and GetUp! demand apology over Hitler youth slur|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/greens-and-getup-demand-apology-over-hitler-youth-slur/story-fn7x8me2-1226184725391|newspaper=[[Herald Sun]]|publisher=[[News Limited]]|agency=AAP|date=3 November 2011|accessdate=4 November 2011}}</ref> While he later apologised to the Jewish community for this remark, he did not withdraw the comment in Parliament.<ref>{{cite news|title=GetUp outraged by Hitler Youth comments|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-11-03/getup-responds-to-hitler-youth-comments/3617616/?site=melbourne|publisher=[[774 ABC Melbourne]]|date=3 November 2011|accessdate=4 November 2011}}</ref> He also once likened [[Stephen Conroy]] to [[Joseph Goebbels]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Senator aims 'Nazi' slur at minister during question time|url=http://www.smh.com.au/national/senator-aims-nazi-slur-at-minister-during-question-time-20110914-1k967.html|newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|publisher=Fairfax Media|agency=AAP|date=14 September 2011|accessdate=17 September 2013}}</ref>


⚫
In June 2014, Macdonald joined Senator [[Cory Bernardi]] in expressing opposition to the Government's proposed deficit levy, claiming that he did not believe the increase "goes far enough."<ref name=Debttax>{{cite web|last=Griffiths|first=Emma|title=Coalition senators Ian Macdonald and Cory Bernardi won't support debt tax|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-06-16/ian-macdonald-and-cory-bernardi-wont-support-debt-tax/5526272|website=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]]|date=16 June 2014|publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]]|access-date=21 June 2014}}</ref> He also threatened to cross the floor over the proposed fuel excise hike.<ref name=Fuel>{{cite web|last=Bourke|first=Latika|author-link=Latika Bourke|title=LNP senator Ian Macdonald threatens to cross the floor on fuel excise hike|date=17 June 2014|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-06-17/ian-macdonald-threatens-to-cross-the-floor-on-fuel-excise/5529554|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140818101837/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-06-17/ian-macdonald-threatens-to-cross-the-floor-on-fuel-excise/5529554|archive-date=18 August 2014|website=ABC News|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=21 June 2014}}</ref>
⚫
In September 2015 during Senate Question Time, Senator Ian Macdonald made an interjection toward NSW Labor Senator Doug Cameron based on Cameron's strong and distinctive Scottish accent. Macdonald interjected 'learn to speak Australian'. SA Labor Senator Penny Wong interrupted proceedings later to have Macdonald withdraw his comment. Macdonald revised his comment to say "learn to speak Australian, mate".<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3236508/Liberal-Senator-Ian-Macdonald-fire-telling-Labor-s-Doug-Cameron-learn-speak-Australian-insists-political-correctness-gone-mad.html|title=Liberal Senator tells Labor colleague to 'learn to speak Australian'|work=Mail Online|access-date=2017-06-01}}</ref>


⚫
In July 2018, Macdonald was demoted to fourth position on the LNP ticket, from which victory was considered very unlikely.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/jul/06/lnp-dumps-ian-macdonald-and-barry-osullivan-from-senate-ticket | title=LNP dumps Ian Macdonald and Barry O'Sullivan from Senate ticket | work=Guardian Australia | date=6 July 2018 | access-date=17 Aug 2018}}</ref> In the 2019 federal election he lost his senate seat, and ceased to be a senator from 1 July 2019.
⚫
On 9 February 2017, Senator Ian Macdonald stated that he was likely to oppose the Federal Government move to abolish the lifetime gold pass, entitling politicians who had been elected prior to 2012 to 10 free business class flights per year. ABC News reported that Macdonald stated in the Liberal Party Room that "it's about time someone stood up for politicians entitlements".<ref>{{cite news|title=Ian Macdonald speaks up to defend politician's Life Gold Pass entitlements|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-02-09/ian-macdonald-opposes-move-to-abolish-politician-life-gold-pass/8254926|publisher=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]]|date=9 February 2017|accessdate=9 February 2017}}</ref>

⚫
=== Controversy ===
⚫
On 3 November 2011 during debate on [[carbon tax]] legislation, Macdonald stated "[[GetUp!]] is the [[Hitler Youth]] wing of the [[Green politics|Greens]] political movement."<ref>{{cite news|title=Hansard|publisher=[[Parliament of Australia]]|date=3 November 2011|url=http://www.aph.gov.au/hansard/senate/dailys/ds031111.pdf|access-date=2011-11-04}}{{dead link|date=December 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Senator Macdonald stood by his comments when challenged.<ref>{{cite news|title=Greens and GetUp! demand apology over Hitler youth slur|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/greens-and-getup-demand-apology-over-hitler-youth-slur/story-fn7x8me2-1226184725391|newspaper=[[Herald Sun]]|publisher=[[News Limited]]|agency=AAP|date=3 November 2011|access-date=4 November 2011}}</ref> While he later apologised to the Jewish community for this remark, he did not withdraw the comment in Parliament.<ref>{{cite news|title=GetUp outraged by Hitler Youth comments|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-11-03/getup-responds-to-hitler-youth-comments/3617616/?site=melbourne|publisher=[[774 ABC Melbourne]]|date=3 November 2011|access-date=4 November 2011}}</ref> He also once likened [[Stephen Conroy]] to [[Joseph Goebbels]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Senator aims 'Nazi' slur at minister during question time|url=http://www.smh.com.au/national/senator-aims-nazi-slur-at-minister-during-question-time-20110914-1k967.html|newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|publisher=Fairfax Media|agency=AAP|date=14 September 2011|access-date=17 September 2013}}</ref>


⚫
In September 2015 during Senate Question Time, Macdonald made an interjection toward NSW Labor Senator Doug Cameron based on Cameron's strong and distinctive Scottish accent. Macdonald interjected 'learn to speak Australian'. SA Labor Senator Penny Wong interrupted proceedings later to have Macdonald withdraw his comment. Macdonald revised his comment to say "learn to speak Australian, mate".{{cn|date=April 2020}}
⚫
On 30 May 2017, the senator was on ABC Local Radio Darwin discussing the benefits of shifting public servants from Canberra to more regional areas such as Darwin and regional Queensland. He further went on to say that public servants should be sacked if they refuse to "get out of their very privileged lives" in Canberra, Sydney or Melbourne, after no public servants volunteered to move.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.canberratimes.com.au/national/public-service/darwin-or-dole-for-public-servants-says-lnp-20170531-gwgvhs.html|title=Darwin or dole: Senator says Canberra public servants should be forced north|last=Towell|first=Noel|date=2017-06-01|work=Canberra Times|access-date=2017-06-01|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=Move to Darwin or get the sack: Senator|date=2017-05-30|url=http://www.abc.net.au/radio/darwin/programs/mornings/senator-ian-macdonald/8572050|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|language=en-AU|accessdate=2017-06-01}}</ref>


⚫
On 9 February 2017, Macdonald stated that he was likely to oppose the Federal Government move to abolish the lifetime gold pass, entitling politicians who had been elected prior to 2012 to 10 free business class flights per year. ABC News reported that Macdonald stated in the Liberal Party Room that "it's about time someone stood up for politicians entitlements".<ref>{{cite news|title=Ian Macdonald speaks up to defend politician's Life Gold Pass entitlements|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-02-09/}}</ref>
⚫
On 9 April 2019, Senator Ian Macdonald asked if [[Penny Wong]] is related to Chinese billionaire [[Huang Xiangmo]].<ref>https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-04-09/ian-macdonald-asks-if-penny-wong-related-to-huang-xiangmo/10985096</ref>


⚫
On 30 May 2017, the senator was on ABC Local Radio Darwin discussing the benefits of shifting public servants from Canberra to more regional areas such as Darwin and regional Queensland. He further went on to say that public servants should be sacked if they refuse to "get out of their very privileged lives" in Canberra, Sydney or Melbourne, after no public servants volunteered to move.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.canberratimes.com.au/national/public-service/darwin-or-dole-for-public-servants-says-lnp-20170531-gwgvhs.html|title=Darwin or dole: Senator says Canberra public servants should be forced north|last=Towell|first=Noel|date=2017-06-01|work=Canberra Times|access-date=2017-06-01|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Move to Darwin or get the sack: Senator|date=2017-05-30|url=http://www.abc.net.au/radio/darwin/programs/mornings/senator-ian-macdonald/8572050|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|language=en-AU|access-date=2017-06-01}}</ref>
== Abbott Government ==
⚫
On 16 September 2013, following the election of the [[Abbott Government]], it was announced that despite Tony Abbott's stated aim of ministry continuity Macdonald had been dropped from the frontbench. Senator Macdonald described this day as the "one of the worst" days in his life.<ref>{{cite news|first=Marissa|last=Calligeros|title='Worst day of my life': Queensland Senator misses frontbench seat|url=http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/worst-day-of-my-life-queensland-senator-misses-frontbench-seat-20130916-2ttes.html|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|publisher=Fairfax Media|date=16 September 2013|accessdate=5 July 2016}}</ref>


⚫
On 9 April 2019, Macdonald asked if [[Penny Wong]] is related to Chinese billionaire [[Huang Xiangmo]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-04-09/ian-macdonald-asks-if-penny-wong-related-to-huang-xiangmo/10985096|title='H-U-A-N-G': Liberal senator incorrectly links Penny Wong to Chinese billionaire Huang Xiangmo|newspaper=ABC News|date=9 April 2019}}</ref>
⚫
In June 2014, Macdonald joined Senator [[Cory Bernardi]] in expressing opposition to the Government's proposed deficit levy, claiming that he did not believe the increase "goes far enough."<ref name=Debttax>{{cite web|last=Griffiths|first=Emma|title=Coalition senators Ian Macdonald and Cory Bernardi won't support debt tax|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-06-16/ian-macdonald-and-cory-bernardi-wont-support-debt-tax/5526272|website=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]]|publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]]|accessdate=21 June 2014}}</ref> He also threatened to cross the floor over the proposed fuel excise hike.<ref name=Fuel>{{cite web|last=Bourke|first=Latika|author-link=Latika Bourke|title=LNP senator Ian Macdonald threatens to cross the floor on fuel excise hike|date=17 June 2014|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-06-17/ian-macdonald-threatens-to-cross-the-floor-on-fuel-excise/5529554|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140818101837/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-06-17/ian-macdonald-threatens-to-cross-the-floor-on-fuel-excise/5529554|archivedate=18 August 2014|website=ABC News|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|accessdate=21 June 2014}}</ref>


==Honours==
He became the [[Father of the Australian Senate|Father of the Senate]] on 6 February 2015, upon the resignation of [[John Faulkner]] and with the retirement of [[Philip Ruddock]] at the [[2016 Australian federal election|2016 federal election]], he became the [[Father of the Australian Parliament|Father of the Parliament]].
Macdonald was appointed as an Member of the [[Order of Australia]] in the [[2023 King’s Birthday Honours (Australia)|2023 King's Birthday Honours]] for "significant service to the people and Parliament of Australia, to local government, and to the community of Northern Australia".<ref name="2023 KBH">{{cite web |title=King's Birthday 2023 Honours - the full list |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/king-s-birthday-2023-honours-the-full-list-20230609-p5dffh.html |website=Sydney Morning Herald |publisher=Nine Entertainment Co |access-date=11 June 2023 |date=11 June 2023}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
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[[Category:Members of the Cabinet of Australia]]
[[Category:Members of the Cabinet of Australia]]
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[[Category:21st-century Australian politicians]]
[[Category:21st-century Australian politicians]]
[[Category:20th-century Australian politicians]]
[[Category:20th-century Australian politicians]]

Latest revision as of 21:52, 17 February 2024

This article is about the Australian federal politician. For the New South Wales politician, see Ian Macdonald (New South Wales politician). For other people with similarly spelled names, see Ian McDonald (disambiguation).

The Honourable
Ian Macdonald
AM
Macdonald circa 2005
Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation
In office
26 November 2001 – 27 January 2006
Preceded byWilson Tuckey
Succeeded byEric Abetz
Minister for Regional Services, Territories and Local Government
In office
21 October 1998 – 26 November 2001
Preceded byAlex Somlyay
Succeeded byWilson Tuckey
Senator for Queensland
In office
1 July 1990 – 30 June 2019
Personal details
Born (1945-11-29) 29 November 1945 (age 78)
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Political partyLiberal Party of Australia
OccupationSolicitor

Ian Douglas Macdonald AM (born 29 November 1945) is an Australian former politician who served as a Senator for Queensland from 1990 to 2019, representing the Liberal Party. He was Minister for Regional Services, Territories and Local Government (1998–2001) and Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation (2001–2006) in the Howard government. He was defeated at the 2019 federal election, having been the longest-serving incumbent member of parliament for the final years of his career.

Early life

[edit]

Macdonald was born in Brisbane, Queensland, and was a solicitor before entering politics. He was also a Councillor in the Burdekin Shire Council 1979–90. He was Vice-President of the Liberal Party in Queensland from 1987 to 1990.

Early political career

[edit]

In 1992, Macdonald was appointed to the Opposition Shadow Ministry[1] under Liberal leader John Hewson as Shadow Minister for Local Government and the Australian Capital Territory. In 1994, following Alexander Downer's accession to the party leadership, Macdonald was given the positions of Shadow Minister for Regional Development and Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and continued to serve at these positions under Opposition leader John Howard.[1]

Howard government

[edit]

Following the election of the Howard government, Macdonald was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for the Environment in 1996. In 1998, MacDonald was appointed to the Second Howard Ministry as Minister for Regional Services, Territories and Local Government.

In 2001, Macdonald was appointed Minister for Forestry and Conservation in the Third Howard Ministry. His portfolio was renamed Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation in November 2002. He continued in this position in the Fourth Howard Ministry until January 2006 when he lost his position in a Cabinet reshuffle triggered by the retirement of Robert Hill.[2]

Return to Opposition

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Following the defeat of the Howard government in 2007, Macdonald was appointed to the Opposition Shadow Ministry of Brendan Nelson as Shadow Minister Assisting the Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Minister for Northern Australia. On 22 September 2008, following the election of Malcolm Turnbull as Opposition Leader, Macdonald lost his position as Shadow Minister Assisting the Leader of the Opposition but retained the position of Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Northern Australia.[3]

In 2009, Macdonald lost his position in the Shadow Cabinet following Tony Abbott's accession to the Liberal leadership, but was appointed Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Northern and Remote Australia.[1] In 2010, he also took on the position of Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for the Defence Force and Defence Support.

Final years in parliament

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On 16 September 2013, following the election of the Abbott government, it was announced that despite Tony Abbott's stated aim of ministry continuity Macdonald had been dropped from the frontbench. Senator Macdonald described this day as "one of the worst" days in his life.[4]

In June 2014, Macdonald joined Senator Cory Bernardi in expressing opposition to the Government's proposed deficit levy, claiming that he did not believe the increase "goes far enough."[5] He also threatened to cross the floor over the proposed fuel excise hike.[6]

In July 2018, Macdonald was demoted to fourth position on the LNP ticket, from which victory was considered very unlikely.[7] In the 2019 federal election he lost his senate seat, and ceased to be a senator from 1 July 2019.

Controversy

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On 3 November 2011 during debate on carbon tax legislation, Macdonald stated "GetUp! is the Hitler Youth wing of the Greens political movement."[8] Senator Macdonald stood by his comments when challenged.[9] While he later apologised to the Jewish community for this remark, he did not withdraw the comment in Parliament.[10] He also once likened Stephen Conroy to Joseph Goebbels.[11]

In September 2015 during Senate Question Time, Macdonald made an interjection toward NSW Labor Senator Doug Cameron based on Cameron's strong and distinctive Scottish accent. Macdonald interjected 'learn to speak Australian'. SA Labor Senator Penny Wong interrupted proceedings later to have Macdonald withdraw his comment. Macdonald revised his comment to say "learn to speak Australian, mate".[citation needed]

On 9 February 2017, Macdonald stated that he was likely to oppose the Federal Government move to abolish the lifetime gold pass, entitling politicians who had been elected prior to 2012 to 10 free business class flights per year. ABC News reported that Macdonald stated in the Liberal Party Room that "it's about time someone stood up for politicians entitlements".[12]

On 30 May 2017, the senator was on ABC Local Radio Darwin discussing the benefits of shifting public servants from Canberra to more regional areas such as Darwin and regional Queensland. He further went on to say that public servants should be sacked if they refuse to "get out of their very privileged lives" in Canberra, Sydney or Melbourne, after no public servants volunteered to move.[13][14]

On 9 April 2019, Macdonald asked if Penny Wong is related to Chinese billionaire Huang Xiangmo.[15]

Honours

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Macdonald was appointed as an Member of the Order of Australia in the 2023 King's Birthday Honours for "significant service to the people and Parliament of Australia, to local government, and to the community of Northern Australia".[16]

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Senator the Hon Ian Macdonald". Parliament of Australia. Retrieved 21 June 2014.
  2. ^ "Ministers depart ahead of reshuffle". The Age. Melbourne: Fairfax Media. AAP. 22 January 2006. Retrieved 16 December 2007.
  3. ^ Appointment of Shadow Ministry
  4. ^ Calligeros, Marissa (16 September 2013). "'Worst day of my life': Queensland Senator misses frontbench seat". The Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax Media. Retrieved 5 July 2016.
  5. ^ Griffiths, Emma (16 June 2014). "Coalition senators Ian Macdonald and Cory Bernardi won't support debt tax". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 21 June 2014.
  6. ^ Bourke, Latika (17 June 2014). "LNP senator Ian Macdonald threatens to cross the floor on fuel excise hike". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Archived from the original on 18 August 2014. Retrieved 21 June 2014.
  7. ^ "LNP dumps Ian Macdonald and Barry O'Sullivan from Senate ticket". Guardian Australia. 6 July 2018. Retrieved 17 August 2018.
  8. ^ "Hansard" (PDF). Parliament of Australia. 3 November 2011. Retrieved 4 November 2011.[permanent dead link]
  9. ^ "Greens and GetUp! demand apology over Hitler youth slur". Herald Sun. News Limited. AAP. 3 November 2011. Retrieved 4 November 2011.
  10. ^ "GetUp outraged by Hitler Youth comments". 774 ABC Melbourne. 3 November 2011. Retrieved 4 November 2011.
  11. ^ "Senator aims 'Nazi' slur at minister during question time". The Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax Media. AAP. 14 September 2011. Retrieved 17 September 2013.
  12. ^ "Ian Macdonald speaks up to defend politician's Life Gold Pass entitlements".
  13. ^ Towell, Noel (1 June 2017). "Darwin or dole: Senator says Canberra public servants should be forced north". Canberra Times. Retrieved 1 June 2017.
  14. ^ "Move to Darwin or get the sack: Senator". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 30 May 2017. Retrieved 1 June 2017.
  15. ^ "'H-U-A-N-G': Liberal senator incorrectly links Penny Wong to Chinese billionaire Huang Xiangmo". ABC News. 9 April 2019.
  16. ^ "King's Birthday 2023 Honours - the full list". Sydney Morning Herald. Nine Entertainment Co. 11 June 2023. Retrieved 11 June 2023.
[edit]
Parliament of Australia
Preceded by Father of the Senate
2015–2019 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Father of the Parliament
2016–2019 		Succeeded by
Political offices
Preceded byas Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government Minister for Regional Services, Territories and Local Government
1998–2001 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Minister for Forestry and Conservation / Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation
2001–2002 / 2002–2006 		Succeeded by
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