Health Minister Bridget Archer will run Tasmania for a week while Premier Jeremy Rockliff travels to Japan on a trade mission.
Rockliff announced the appointment on Tuesday, saying it reflected the “strength and capability” of his team.
He pointed to Archer’s background as a former mayor in northern Tasmania and her nearly six years in federal parliament.
The choice skipped over Deputy Premier Guy Barnett, who is currently overseas on holiday.
“I’ve asked Bridget to fill the role over the course of the next seven days,” he said.
Archer said she was happy to step up and remained focused on delivering for Tasmanians.
“I’m happy to serve in whatever capacity the premier has asked me to do, whether that’s as health minister or indeed acting in his place while he undertakes this important work,” she said.
Labor MLC Sarah Lovell said it did not matter who was left in charge while the premier was overseas.
“No matter who Premier Rockliff chooses to mind the shop while he jets off to Japan, Tasmanians will still know that Eric Abetz is pulling the strings behind the scenes,” she said.
