Philippa McDonald has been at the centre of the media’s coverage of Australia’s worst bushfires, political upheaval, the disappearance of MH 370, terrorist attacks, earthquakes, mine disasters and coups. She has also been National Arts Reporter, Legal Reporter, Transport and Communications reporter. Throughout 2023 Philippa has been working with ABC International Development in Timor Leste to establish the first English speaking TV Newsroom at RTTL, the country's Public Broadcaster.