Journalist and political commentator Niki Savva has been appointed as a member of the Board of Old Parliament House.

Arts Minister Tony Burke said as a journalist in Old Parliament House and an author of several books on Australian politics, Ms Savva would be great asset to the board.

“Having people on the Board who’ve lived and breathed the history of Old Parliament House is integral to making sure those stories are told,” he said in a statement.

Ms Savva has worked in both Old Parliament House and the new Parliament House and has held positions with a number of media organisations including as bureau chief in the parliamentary press gallery, News Limited Washington correspondent, political editor at the Herald Sun, political editor at The Age and a columnist for The Australian.

Ms Savva also held senior adviser positions in the offices of former Treasurer Peter Costello and former Prime Minister John Howard.

Her books include Bulldozed, about the fall of Scott Morrison; Plots and Prayers, about Malcolm Turnbull’s demise, and the Road to Ruin which chronicled the political life of Tony Abbott and his relationship with his chief of staff Peta Credlin.

Ms Savva will serve a three year term on the Board.

Old Parliament House is also the home to the Museum of Australian Democracy.

The Board of Old Parliament House is chaired by fellow journalist Barrie Cassidy.