He was born in Jandowae, Queensland to Donald McKenzie Neal and Christina Elizabeth, née Schutt.
After attending Cabawin State School and Brisbane Technical College, he became a wool classer and grazier.
A member of the Country Party, he was secretary and campaign director for the Balonne Electorate Council from 1966 to 1971 and a member of the central council of the Young National Party from 1972.
[1] In 1972, Neal was elected to the Queensland Legislative Assembly as the member for Balonne.
Following the Nationals' loss at the election in 1989, he became Opposition Whip in 1990 but retired from politics in 1992.