 Hazell was born in Brisbane, Queensland, on 17 December 1948 to Neville John Hazell, a Second World War veteran, and his wife Joan Nell (née Ekelund), a former writer in the Women's Royal Australian Naval Service.Hazell was educated at the Anglican Church Grammar School and the University of Queensland, gaining a Bachelor of Arts degree with Honours.Malcolm Hazell had over 30 years experience in the Australian Public Service.