Born in Castlemaine, Victoria, he was educated at state schools before becoming an apprentice civil engineer.

He was elected to Bendigo City Council and was mayor in 1909, 1913 and 1920.

He was elected to a fourth vacancy in the election, defeating Labor's Joseph Hannan, who had been appointed to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Stephen Barker.

[1] Andrew retired in 1928 and died on 18 November that year, while still a senator.

Richard Abbott was appointed to serve the remainder of his term.