Prior to Federation in 1901, he was a member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly (1886–1900) and twice held ministerial office.

McColl was educated at the Model School, Sandhurst and for a time at Scotch College, Melbourne.

He married Emily Boyle in January 1867 and subsequently became an insurance agent and legal manager.

As minister, he was responsible for the first purchase of large estates so that they could be sub-divided for closer settlement.

[1] McColl bought an irrigation farm at Gunbower (near Cohuna), but later retired to the Melbourne suburb of Deepdene.