SPEAKER BIOGRAPHY
Bob Macdonald is a seasoned communications professional with a distinguished background spanning journalism, government advisory and international trade. His career includes roles as a business journalist and editor, newspaper columnist, ministerial advisor and Austrade Trade Commissioner. Over several decades, he has supported companies, government agencies, senior politicians and business leaders to communicate with clarity, impact and strategic purpose.
Bob is highly skilled in translating complex or bureaucratic language into clear, persuasive and accessible material, from media releases to annual reports. He is also an accomplished speechwriter, known for crafting incisive and engaging speeches tailored to diverse audiences and settings. In addition, he brings extensive experience as a public presenter and MC for business events.
His career highlights include more than 30 years as a journalist and editor with publications such as The Australian Financial Review, Business Review Weekly and The Courier-Mail, along with media work in North America. He served as a business policy advisor and speechwriter to Queensland Premier Wayne Goss, and later as Chief of Staff to Minister Mark Bailey during the first-term Palaszczuk Government. As Austrade Trade Commissioner, he represented Australia in Mexico and Chile.
Most recently, Bob was Communications Manager for Trade and Investment Queensland. He now leads his own consultancy, MacDonald Publishing Pty Ltd, providing strategic communications advice and services to clients across sectors.