[1] He then began an apprenticeship as a cabinetmaker, attending Ipswich Technical College[1] before entering the mining industry as a winding engine driver.
[2] When the member for Bremer, former Premier Frank Cooper, retired from politics in March 1946,[3] Donald was chosen by the Labor Party to be their candidate at the by-election which was held on the 25 May 1946.
Donald went on to win the seat over the Queensland People's Party candidate, Harold Shapcott, by 5643 votes to 3246.
[1] Although Donald was in parliament for 23 years, he was never appointed to the ministry, almost certainly due to having refused to support a bill introduced by the Labor Party concerning miners' pensions and entitlements.
During his political career, Donald earned a reputation as one of the most modest and unassuming gentlemen ever to serve in the Parliament.