A Western Australian woman accused of murdering her 71-year-old mother in northern Tasmania is expected to face a lengthy trial.

The body of Veronica Corstorphine was discovered in her home in Launceston's southern suburbs on October 29, 2019.

Natalie Maher appeared in the Supreme Court of Tasmania in Launceston on Tuesday when a jury was empanelled for her trial that could run for up to a month.

The court heard Ms Corstorphine's sisters, who live in Victoria and Western Australia, are expected to give evidence via video link, while friends, police and forensic experts will also testify.

"By Tasmanian standards, this will be a relatively lengthy trial," Justice Robert Peace said.

Lawyers are expected to deliver their opening submissions on Wednesday afternoon.

Maher, who is aged in her 40s, has pleaded not guilty to one count of murder after being charged by police in November 2019.

Ms Corstorphine moved from Queensland to Tasmania about three years before her death and was involved with the Labor Party.

Former federal MP, Ross Hart, who is aiming to return to the seat of Bass at the upcoming election, is among trial witnesses.