[1] McDonald was a watchmaker in Charters Towers in 1890 when he became the President of the Australian Labor Federation based in Brisbane.

In 1901, he successfully stood for the Division of Kennedy, a vast seat in the outback of western Queensland, in the first election for the Australian House of Representatives after Federation.

In one campaign, he reportedly rode over 3,000 miles (4,800 km) on bicycle on the rough outback roads.

McDonald was a confirmed republican who abandoned the traditional Speaker's wig and gown in favour of an ordinary business suit.

The Liberal Government, which had only a slim majority, made an offer to McDonald to continue in the position, but he declined due to the interests of the Labor Party.

[4] The Liberal Prime Minister Joseph Cook became frustrated by the Labor controlled Senate blocking his legislation and called for a double dissolution election.