Andrew Bartlett - Early Life and Background

Early Life and Background

Bartlett was born in Brisbane, where he has lived all his life. He is married with one daughter. Andrew is of Irish, Swiss, English and Greek origins, including his great-great-grandfather claimed to be the first Greek settler in Australia, arriving in Adelaide in 1840. He was educated at the University of Queensland, where he graduated in arts and social work. Before entering politics, Bartlett was a social worker with the Department of Social Security, and worked with alternative radio station, 4ZZZFM, in roles including announcer and finance coordinator. A big modern music fan, he played in a number of local rock bands, as a drummer and keyboard player. On his personal blog, Bartlett has noted that he is a fan of both Joy Division and Nick Cave. Bartlett is active on animal rights issues, and considers himself an atheist.

In 1990, Bartlett joined the staff of Queensland senator Cheryl Kernot. Three years later, he joined the staff of Democrats senator John Woodley as an adviser and researcher. He was the Democrats' Queensland campaign director for the 1993 and 1996 elections and federal campaign director in 1998. Bartlett was appointed in 1997 to the Senate casual vacancy caused by the resignation of Kernot, and was elected for a six-year term at the 2001 federal election.