Don Neal

Donald McConnell "Don" Neal (born 31 May 1939) was an Australian politician. 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. On 5 September 1964 he married Frances Lillian Nelson, with whom he had six children. 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. In 1972, Neal was elected to the Queensland Legislative Assembly as the member for Balonne. In 1980 he was appointed Government Whip, winning a promotion to Minister for Corrective Services, Administrative Services and Valuation in 1986. In 1987 he was moved to Water Resources and Maritime Services. Following the Nationals' loss at the election in 1989, he became Opposition Whip in 1990 but retired from politics in 1992.