Former Lib minister appointed to museum FORMER Howard government minister David Kemp has been appointed chair of an Old Parliament House advisory council, just weeks after ABC journalist Barrie Cassidy resigned from the job. Mr Cassidy was appointed by Labor to the body, with responsibility for Canberra's Museum of Australian Democracy, but was controversially asked to "consider his position" by new Arts Minister George Brandis after the election. Senator Brandis on Thursday announced Dr Kemp as the new chair, while Heather Henderson - daughter of Liberal prime minister Robert Menzies - and retired public servant Sir David Smith were also appointed to the three-person advisory council. Dr Kemp was a minister of eduction and environment in John Howard's coalition government, but also served as a senior member of staff to Liberal prime minister Malcolm Fraser. "Each of the three candidates are distinguished Australians intimately connected with federal political affairs," Senator Brandis said in a statement. Importantly, each has a personal connection with Old Parliament House. At various times in their careers, both Dr Kemp and Sir David worked in the building, while Mrs Henderson's principal association is through her father, who dominated the Parliament during his 17 years as prime minister.