International development organisation Oxfam Australia has elected its new Chair, Dr Jane Hutchison.

Hutchinson a senior lecturer in politics from Murdoch University and has served as a board member of Oxfam Australia since 2004. She was also previously Chair of the Governance Committee.

Hutchinson will help to set the policy and strategic directions of Oxfam in Australia and internationally.

Former Chief Minister of the Australian Capital Territory Kate Carnell AO has been announced the new CEO of beyondblue, which is a not-for-profit organisation that works to address issues associated with depression, anxiety and mental health issues in Australia.

Chairman of beyondblue Jeff Kennett said rarely can a not-for-profit organisation attract to its leadership position a person of such outstanding qualifications as Carnell.

Carnell was the Chief Minister of the Australian Capital Territory for six years and the Minister for Health in the ACT for three years.

More recently, Carnell has served as CEO of the Australian General Practice Network and up until this appointment has been CEO of the Australian Food and Grocery Council.

Carnell has been a Director of beyondblue since 2008 and Deputy Chair since 2010.

Third Sector wishes Carnell and Hutchinson well in their new roles.