Cartwright has held a number of senior and strategic roles with the Federal Government over the past nine years, most recently as chief of staff to agriculture minister, Warren Truss. She will take up her new position with APIA on 7 March.

APIA president, Mark Twycross, in announcing Cartwright's appointment, said the association was reviewing its strategy and direction in the broad range of policy issues which affect the pipeline industry.

“The past decade was a period of unprecedented change in the pipeline and associated industries,” Twycross said.

“We have now moved to a period of policy development and consolidation which will impact on owners of energy infrastructure and the community for years to come.

“It is vital that APIA maintains a strong voice in the policy debate, and Ms Cartwright's skills and background are great strengths in that regard. Her demonstrated ability to grasp and debate complex issues has impressed us," Twycross said.

Cartwright was chief of staff to minister Truss in three portfolios, with the past five years spent meeting the challenges of the demanding agriculture portfolio. In 1996 and 1997 she served as media adviser to then industry minister, John Moore.

Prior to her career in politics, Ms Cartwright worked as a journalist in print, radio and television. Her media career spanned organisations including the Nine and Seven television networks, The Australian, Australian Associated Press, The Canberra Times and Macquarie Radio Network.

Twycross also paid tribute to APIA’s departing CEO, Allen Beasley.

“Allen provided strong leadership to APIA during five very difficult years of debate and enquiry into the application of the Gas Access Code. We are well pleased with his work, and wish him well in his new international appointment,” he said.