Tasmania's Premier is refusing to give a time frame for a Cabinet reshuffle after Matthew Groom's shock resignation, despite calls from Labor and the business community to act quickly.
Mr Groom, who is one of Cabinet's busiest ministers, announced at the weekend he would move to the backbench immediately and quit politics at the next election due to family reasons.
The most pressing issue for the Government is to divvy up Mr Groom's portfolios, a decision that will be made amidst pressure to appoint more women to Cabinet.
Mr Groom is the acting attorney-general, and Minister for State Growth, Energy, Environment and Parks.
Will Hodgman said he would announce the Cabinet reshuffle in due course, saying it was an opportunity for renewal.
"We won't rush this — a very important decision for Government — we put a very high value on giving Tasmanians stability and certainty," he said.
Speaker Elise Archer, a former lawyer, is the most obvious choice for acting attorney-general but despite holding a shadow ministry in opposition, she has previously been overlooked for a place at the Cabinet table.
Opposition Leader Rebecca White called on the Premier to appoint Ms Archer.
"She was overlooked when they came to government, she was overlooked when Paul Harriss resigned, she was overlooked when Adam Brooks resigned, surely the Premier is not going to overlook her again," Ms White said.
"If the Premier overlooks Elise Archer again, then I think we can draw the conclusion that there is a problem with their relationship."
Last year, Ms Archer took the unprecedented action of ejecting Mr Hodgman, the first time a Premier had been kicked out by the Speaker in the Parliament's 160-year history.
While Mr Hodgman raised the opportunity for renewal, the Labor leader questioned whether there was enough talent left to take on such important portfolios.
"The Government appears to be in disarray. The Premier is limited by the number of backbenchers he has available to promote to Cabinet positions."
Ms Archer has not returned the ABC's calls.
Business wants reshuffle settled soon
The Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry's Michael Bailey echoed calls for the Government to quickly announce the Cabinet reshuffle.
"It's important that the Ministry is filled as quickly as possible so that we have the surety across business that business needs and Tasmania can continue to prosper," he said.
The other women who could be promoted are the Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier Sarah Courtney, Government Whip Joan Rylah and Deputy Leader of the Legislative Council Leonie Hiscutt.
The Premier has already ruled out Adam Brooks returning to the frontbench until the audit of his emails is finalised.
That leaves newcomers Franklin MP Nic Street, Braddon MP Roger Janesch and the low-profile Lyons MP, Mark Shelton.
Spotlight on Sue Hickey's future
Mr Groom's resignation also creates problems for the Liberal Party's elections plans for Denison.
Nominations for pre-selection have reopened and there is increased speculation that Hobart Lord Mayor Sue Hickey will put her hand up for the vacancy, despite having expressed interest in Franklin.
Mr Hodgman would not be drawn on whether Ms Hickey, who had put her hand up for Franklin, would run for Denison.
"I expect renewed interest as a result of the vacancy that now presents."
Ms Hickey has been contacted for comment.
