Premier Will Hodgman says he is almost ready to announce an appointment, to fill the vacancy created by the death of Peter Underwood.

In keeping with its approach and style the government is likely to opt for a safe pair of hands. The judiciary normally satisfies this requirement, and hence three recent incumbents, Guy Green, Bill Cox and Mr Underwood were former judges.

Former Premier Jim Bacon opted for a player on the international stage in Richard Butler, but the appointment ended prematurely in tears with a $600,000 payout.

Curiously, a woman has never held the post. Gender has never been a prerequisite.

The job comes with a $611,000 remuneration package but given the usual duties required of the spouse we do get two for the price of one. The incumbent has a budget of about $3 million and the 15 hectares of lands and 161-year-old mansion, Government House in Hobart, is priced at about $36 million.

Past governors have had streets, lakes and buildings named after them. The incumbent is required to vet new laws, make 120 speeches a year, hold about 60 receptions, a dozen or so official dinners and host royalty and other VIPs on official visits.

The governor, or vice regal, is the Queen's representative in the sovereign state of Tasmania. The role is essential to our Westminster system and wouldn't change greatly if Australia became a republic.

The governor is meant to be an apolitical, unifying figurehead; capable of managing a constitutional crisis, acting as a role model and healing the wounds of conflict.

The next governor could be a woman, Aboriginal or an artist or all three. Judges are chosen because of their knowledge of the law but the primary prerequisite should include the person's talent for unity and inspiration.

Finding the right person is never an easy task.