Susan McDonald
National Party Senator for QLD
Currently sitting
Seat and party history (1)
- National Party - QLD (Senate) - 1 Jul 2019 to present
- Seat and party records: OpenAustralia member data.
Contact
Office: (07) 4771 3066
Suite 3, 520 Flinders Street, Townsville QLD 4810
Office details: Parliament of Australia, CC BY-NC-ND 4.0.
Contact details on aph.gov.au Profile on OpenAustraliaThese counts cover what is on this site only. They do not measure electorate work or committee work.
Compared with other members
Susan McDonald compared with all 76 sitting senators.
Questions asked in Question Time
Higher than 53% of senators- This member
- 12
- Average
- 10.4
- Median
- 10
Debates spoken in
Lower than 57% of senators- This member
- 36
- Average
- 44.8
- Median
- 40
Votes cast
Lower than 84% of senators- This member
- 512
- Average
- 743.0
- Median
- 730
Share of divisions voted in
Lower than 86% of senators- This member
- 46%
- Average
- 69%
- Median
- 69%
Read these with care
- The median is the middle member: half did more, half did less. It is less affected by a few very active members than the average.
- Ministers answer questions rather than ask them, and the presiding officers rarely vote, so their patterns differ.
- Government backbenchers are often given arranged "Dorothy Dixer" questions, which raises their question counts.
- Votes only record ayes and noes, so a missed vote cannot be told apart from a pair (an agreed absence).
- Counts cover only what is on this site, and do not measure electorate or committee work. New members have less history.
Question Time
Question from Susan McDonald
The senator asked when the government would abolish the safeguards tax and remove regulatory shackles from the industrial sector, arguing that the tax contributed to the facility's failure.
Background: The Whyalla blast furnace closed despite a $2.4 billion government allocation, with the opposition attributing this to high energy costs and the safeguards tax.
Answer from Penny Wong
The minister affirmed that securing domestic structural steel capability at Whyalla was essential and that the government was prepared to invest taxpayer funds to support the transition. She attributed the facility's state to underinvestment by the previous owner and criticized the opposition for complaining about government intervention in industries like Tomago. The minister reiterated the government's commitment to working with the South Australian government, unions, and communities to ensure a future for Whyalla.
Question from Susan McDonald
The member asked why Labor's gas policies were causing Australia to become a less reliable source for Japan to meet its energy requirements and if the Prime Minister accepted that policy uncertainty was giving competitors market share.
Background: Japanese companies are signing long-term LNG deals with the US, raising concerns about Australia's reliability as a supplier.
Answer from Penny Wong
The minister affirmed the importance of the relationship with Japan and stated the government was designing the gas reservation policy in consultation with industry and partners. She emphasized objectives of ensuring sufficient domestic gas for jobs and investment certainty. She guaranteed that Australia would remain a reliable long-term supplier while maximizing benefits for the country through domestic manufacturing and energy security.
Question from Susan McDonald
The member asked how many first-home buyers had fallen into negative equity since the May budget. She later asked how the government could claim success if it did not know the figures and challenged the minister's understanding of negative equity.
Background: The member asked about the number of first-home buyers who had fallen into negative equity under the five per cent deposit scheme.
Answer from Penny Wong
The minister stated that most participants entered with more than a five per cent deposit, with 70 per cent ahead on repayments and 29 per cent on time. She noted that of the over 200,000 guarantees provided, just 13 had been paid out. Citing evidence from CBA and Westpac, she said the cohort's performance was better than average. She referenced the Reserve Bank of Australia governor's statement that negative equity was minuscule and declining, arguing that the opposition was manufacturing a scare campaign.
Question from Susan McDonald
The member asked whether the government agreed that its tax decisions would undermine critical minerals discovery and economic prosperity. She questioned if the reforms aligned with the government's Critical Minerals Strategy.
Background: The Western Australian Premier warned that proposed capital gains tax changes could deter mining exploration and investment.
Answer from Penny Wong
The minister stated that the innovative business capital gains tax concession was subject to innovation criteria and not limited to specific sectors. She highlighted government support for the resources sector, including a $5 billion investment in the Critical Minerals Facility and a 10 per cent production tax incentive for critical minerals. The minister also referenced a $3.4 billion commitment to the Resourcing Australia's Prosperity program. She criticized the National Party for voting against the critical minerals production tax incentive, suggesting hypocrisy in their criticism.
Question from Susan McDonald
The member asked if the empty pump was evidence of a supply problem. She further asked if the government was blaming ordinary Australians for panic buying instead of admitting management failures.
Background: The member cited a specific instance of a Shell station running out of fuel in Brisbane and reported surging prices, challenging the government's narrative.
Answer from Tim Ayres
The minister denied that the empty pump indicated a supply problem, reiterating the unchanged national stock levels. He stated that consumer behavior had changed, with some purchasing significantly more fuel than usual. He criticized the opposition for spreading misinformation and amplifying problems rather than providing calm leadership, asserting that the government was working with industry to manage the situation in the national interest.
Question from Susan McDonald
The senator asked how high energy prices would get under the net zero plan and whether the government had modeled the cost difference compared to not doing net zero.
Background: An energy CEO warned that the net zero transition could halt if costs become unaffordable for Australians.
Answer from Tim Ayres
The minister argued that the Australian Energy Council supports interim emissions targets and that industry demands certainty. He did not provide a specific model or figure for the cost difference, instead stating that the previous government's disinvestment had caused electricity prices to rise by 91 per cent. He attributed current high prices to the damage done by the previous administration and stated that the government was building a new electricity system to lower costs for ordinary Australians.
Question from Susan McDonald
The member asked how many more jobs would be lost under the government's watch, attributing recent job losses to failed energy and industry policies.
Background: The member cited job losses at Iluka Resources, BHP, and South32 due to operational suspensions and redundancies.
Answer from Tim Ayres
The minister stated that some operations fell under the Minister for Resources' portfolio but addressed the broader industrial policy approach. He highlighted efforts to secure the viability of industrial facilities, such as the Glencore facility in Queensland, to protect thousands of jobs. He challenged the opposition's consistency on net zero targets and emphasised the government's focus on modernising the electricity system and improving gas market settings for heavy industry.
Question from Susan McDonald
The senator asked why the government's compliance rate with OPDs had dropped so significantly. She followed up by asking if the government was systematically blocking scrutiny and when the outstanding 40 orders would be complied with. She also asked if the minister still agreed with her 2020 statement that cabinet confidentiality claims should not be automatic, noting that 54 per cent of non-compliant orders cited public interest immunity.
Background: The senator cited a 17 per cent compliance rate for Orders for the Production of Documents (OPDs) in the current parliament.
Answer from Penny Wong
The minister argued that the current parliament had issued more OPDs than all previous parliaments combined, making the volume unmanageable for any government. She stated that the government had complied with the most OPDs in history. Regarding the cabinet confidentiality claims, she dismissed allegations of improper use as folklore and asserted that, in her experience as a cabinet minister, the claims made by the government were legitimate.
Question from Susan McDonald
The member asked whether current mining approvals would be forced to comply with new conditions under the reforms. She sought a guarantee that no retrospective changes would be applied to existing projects.
Background: The senator raised concerns that proposed changes to the EPBC Act would delay mining approvals, harm the economy, and fail to improve environmental outcomes.
Answer from Murray Watt
The minister stated that the opposition and Greens had prevented the parliament from sitting to answer questions. He noted that business groups including the Ai Group and the Clean Energy Council supported the reforms from day one. In response to supplementary questions regarding stop-work orders and time limits, he suggested voting for the legislation to speed up approvals. When asked to rule out a climate trigger, he confirmed he had already done so.
Question from Susan McDonald
The senator asked why there was urgency in allowing US-processed beef from Canada and Mexico without transparent consultation with primary producers, and whether there were biosecurity risks.
Background: The government allowed US-processed beef from Canada and Mexico, with the senator questioning the lack of consultation with producers.
Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy
The minister stated the process had been ongoing for 10 years under the previous government and was based on science. She rejected claims of biosecurity risks, asserting the government does not compromise on biosecurity. She highlighted that Australian beef exports had increased by 55 per cent since the government took office, reaching $14 billion in value.
Question from Susan McDonald
The senator asked why workers at the Mount Isa copper smelter and Townsville refinery were not receiving similar government support.
Background: The government intervened to support the Whyalla smelter and Nyrstar smelters, raising questions about support for Mount Isa and Townsville facilities.
Answer from Tim Ayres
The minister explained that the Whyalla intervention was a joint effort with the South Australian government to protect steelmaking capability. He stated that no announcements had been made regarding Nyrstar, but the government was working closely with the firm. Regarding Mount Isa, the minister confirmed he had met with Glencore and Queensland government officials to coordinate on the facility's future, emphasising its strategic importance.
Question from Susan McDonald
The senator asked if the Prime Minister would ensure the project is approved promptly to provide certainty to Western Australians, noting the Western Australian government's support. She also questioned government funding of the Environmental Defenders Office given its opposition to the project.
Background: Woodside Energy applied to extend the Karratha Gas Plant life until 2070, but Commonwealth approval was delayed by the Minister for the Environment.
Answer from Penny Wong
The minister acknowledged the project's importance to the national economy and noted the government's Future Gas Strategy. She stated that the Minister for the Environment must follow statutory requirements, pointing out that on-time environmental approvals had risen from 47 per cent to 84 per cent under the current government. Regarding the Environmental Defenders Office, she stated the government expects high ethical standards and had requested a review of the organisation's conduct against its grant agreement, with results available online. She denied that the delay was intended to gain political preferences from the Greens.
Other Parliamentary Activity
-
Veterans: Health Care
Senate · Tuesday 8 September 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Veterans
Senate · Wednesday 19 August 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Responded as shadow minister
-
Cash Distribution Framework Bill 2026, Cash Distribution Framework (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Monday 17 August 2026 · Second Reading
Responded as shadow minister
-
International Relations: Australia and Japan
Senate · Wednesday 12 August 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Gas Industry: Taxation
Senate · Wednesday 12 August 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Responded as shadow minister
-
Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility Amendment Bill 2026; In Committee
Senate · Tuesday 30 June 2026 · In Committee
Opened this debate
-
Treasury Laws Amendment (Financial Reporting System Reform) Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Monday 29 June 2026 · Second Reading
Responded as shadow minister
-
Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility Amendment Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Monday 29 June 2026 · Second Reading
Opened this debate
-
Fuel
Senate · Monday 29 June 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Responded as shadow minister
-
Superannuation Legislation Amendment (Tackling the Gender Super Gap) Bill 2025; Second Reading
Senate · Wednesday 24 June 2026 · Second Reading
Responded as shadow minister
-
Housing
Senate · Wednesday 24 June 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Crossin, Ms Patricia Margaret (Trish), AM
Senate · Wednesday 24 June 2026 · Condolence
Contributed to this debate
-
Treasury Laws Amendment (Tax Reform No. 1) Bill 2026, Income Tax Rates Amendment (Tax Reform No. 1) Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Monday 22 June 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Gas Industry: Taxation
Senate · Monday 22 June 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Responded as shadow minister
-
Treasury Laws Amendment (The Survivors Law) Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Thursday 14 May 2026 · Second Reading
Responded as shadow minister
-
Public and Educational Lending Rights (Better Income for Authors) Bill 2026, Public and Educational Lending Rights (Better Income for Authors) Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Thursday 14 May 2026 · Second Reading
Responded as shadow minister
-
Customs Legislation Amendment (False Trade Marks Infringement Notices) Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Thursday 14 May 2026 · Second Reading
Opened this debate
-
Commonwealth Electoral Amendment (Banning Dirty Donations) Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Thursday 14 May 2026 · Second Reading
Responded as shadow minister
-
Competition and Consumer Amendment (Responding to Exceptional Circumstances) Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Wednesday 13 May 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Public Transport
Senate · Monday 30 March 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Responded as shadow minister
-
Defence and Veterans' Service Commissioner Bill 2025, Defence and Veterans' Service Commissioner (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2025; Second Reading
Senate · Monday 30 March 2026 · Second Reading
Opened this debate
-
Defence and Veterans' Service Commissioner Bill 2025, Defence and Veterans' Service Commissioner (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2025; In Committee
Senate · Monday 30 March 2026 · In Committee
Responded as shadow minister
-
Sovereign Capability
Senate · Tuesday 24 March 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Fuel
Senate · Monday 23 March 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Responded as shadow minister
-
Fuel Security
Senate · Wednesday 11 March 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Responded as shadow minister
-
Fuel
Senate · Thursday 5 March 2026 · General Debate
Opened this debate
-
Boswell, Hon. Ronald (Ron) Leslie Doyle, AO
Senate · Tuesday 3 March 2026 · Condolence
Contributed to this debate
-
Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Firearms and Customs Laws) Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Tuesday 20 January 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Bondi Beach: Attack
Senate · Monday 19 January 2026 · Condolence
Contributed to this debate
-
Environment Protection Reform Bill 2025, National Environmental Protection Agency Bill 2025, Environment Information Australia Bill 2025, Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (Customs Charges Imposition) Bill 2025, Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (Excise Charges Imposition) Bill 2025, Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (General Charges Imposition) Bill 2025, Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (Restoration Charge Imposition) Bill 2025; Second Reading
Senate · Thursday 27 November 2025 · Second Reading
Responded as shadow minister
-
Gas Industry
Senate · Tuesday 4 November 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Responded as shadow minister
-
Fair Work Amendment (Baby Priya's) Bill 2025; Second Reading
Senate · Monday 3 November 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: mixed
-
Trade with the United States of America: Beef Industry
Senate · Monday 28 July 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Stone, Mr John Owen, AO
Senate · Monday 28 July 2025 · Condolence
Contributed to this debate
-
Nixon, Hon. Peter James, AO
Senate · Thursday 24 July 2025 · Condolence
Contributed to this debate
-
Energy
Senate · Tuesday 25 March 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Responded as shadow minister
- Votes recorded
- 512
- Aye votes (65.2%)
- 334
- No votes (34.8%)
- 178
Showing the latest 50 votes.
-
Improved Native Forest Management; Order for the Production of Documents
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 26, Noes 31 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee; Reference
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 27, Noes 31 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Middle East
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 32, Noes 20 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Economy
15 Sep 2026 · Ayes 31, Noes 20 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Artificial Intelligence
15 Sep 2026 · Ayes 35, Noes 20 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Wage Justice for Early Childhood Education and Care Workers (Special Account)...
15 Sep 2026 · Ayes 25, Noes 36 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee; Reference
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 25, Noes 31 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Cost of Living
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 22, Noes 32 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Digital Seller Underperformance Policy; Order for the Production of Documents
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 32, Noes 18 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Health Care; Order for the Production of Documents
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 23, Noes 28 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Intergenerational Trust Fund for the People of the Republic of Nauru; Order f...
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 35, Noes 19 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee; Reference
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 35, Noes 19 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Wage Justice for Early Childhood Education and Care Workers (Special Account)...
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 24, Noes 35 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Major Sporting Events (Indicia and Images) Protection Amendment Bill 2026; Th...
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 31, Noes 18 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Major Sporting Events (Indicia and Images) Protection Amendment Bill 2026; Se...
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 31, Noes 18 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Regulatory Reform Omnibus Bill 2026; In Committee
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 21, Noes 32 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Regulatory Reform Omnibus Bill 2026; In Committee
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 31, Noes 22 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Consideration of Legislation
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 19, Noes 33 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Superannuation
9 Sep 2026 · Ayes 21, Noes 34 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Senate Estimates: Questions on Notice; Order for the Production of Documents
9 Sep 2026 · Ayes 37, Noes 22 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Online Safety Amendment (Strengthening Enforcement for the Social Media Minim...
9 Sep 2026 · Ayes 31, Noes 22 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee; Reference
8 Sep 2026 · Ayes 34, Noes 20 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Defence Properties
8 Sep 2026 · Ayes 39, Noes 23 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Veterans: Health Care
8 Sep 2026 · Ayes 36, Noes 21 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Housing; Order for the Production of Documents
8 Sep 2026 · Ayes 25, Noes 31 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Cheaper Home Batteries Program, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet,...
8 Sep 2026 · Ayes 25, Noes 31 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
COVID-19: Mortality; Order for the Production of Documents
8 Sep 2026 · Ayes 23, Noes 33 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee; Reference
8 Sep 2026 · Ayes 37, Noes 22 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2025; Li...
20 Aug 2026 · Ayes 26, Noes 36 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Combatting Illicit Tobacco Bill 2026; Limitation of Debate
20 Aug 2026 · Ayes 27, Noes 36 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Customs Tariff Amendment (Incorporation of Proposals) Bill (No. 1) 2026; Limi...
20 Aug 2026 · Ayes 28, Noes 35 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Cash Distribution Framework Bill 2026, Cash Distribution Framework (Consequen...
20 Aug 2026 · Ayes 34, Noes 26 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Crimes and Other Legislation Amendment (Omnibus No. 1) Bill 2026; Limitation ...
20 Aug 2026 · Ayes 25, Noes 35 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
News Journalism Payments Bill 2026, News Journalism Payments (Consequential A...
20 Aug 2026 · Ayes 23, Noes 35 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Capacity Investment Scheme, Cheaper Home Batteries Program, Rewiring the Nati...
20 Aug 2026 · Ayes 25, Noes 34 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Climate Change; Order for the Production of Documents
20 Aug 2026 · Ayes 25, Noes 34 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee; Reference
20 Aug 2026 · Ayes 26, Noes 33 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Selection of Bills Committee; Report
20 Aug 2026 · Ayes 38, Noes 21 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Selection of Bills Committee; Report
20 Aug 2026 · Ayes 34, Noes 26 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Selection of Bills Committee; Report
20 Aug 2026 · Ayes 26, Noes 34 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Veterans: Women's Health
19 Aug 2026 · Ayes 33, Noes 21 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Veterans
19 Aug 2026 · Ayes 32, Noes 21 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Therapeutic Goods Administration; Order for the Production of Documents
19 Aug 2026 · Ayes 24, Noes 33 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Prime Minister; Order for the Production of Documents
19 Aug 2026 · Ayes 26, Noes 23 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Economics References Committee; Reference
19 Aug 2026 · Ayes 26, Noes 32 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Renewable Energy, Climate Change; Order for the Production of Documents
18 Aug 2026 · Ayes 24, Noes 32 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Cheaper Home Batteries Program; Order for the Production of Documents
18 Aug 2026 · Ayes 23, Noes 32 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Select Committee on Corruption in the Construction Industry; Appointment
18 Aug 2026 · Ayes 24, Noes 31 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Aged Care
18 Aug 2026 · Ayes 34, Noes 23 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future ...
18 Aug 2026 · Ayes 32, Noes 10 · Passed
VOTED AYE
About this page
This page tracks Susan McDonald's parliamentary activity: questions asked and answered in Question Time, debates spoken in, and votes in divisions. Summaries are in reported speech, not transcripts; each one links to the official record.