MacDonald holds a Bachelor of Financial Administration and a Masters of Environmental Management from the University of New England.
MacDonald ran for the Australian Senate at the unwinnable fifth spot on the Coalition ticket at the 2001 election.
MacDonald was also an unsuccessful candidate for the New South Wales Legislative Council in 2007 before being elected in 2011.
[1] He was a member of numerous Parliamentary committees including GPSC5 which is notable for its Inquiry into Coal Seam Gas.
He has also served on a wide range of inquries, such as the management of public lands, corrective services, racial vilification, and Valuer General.