Lyons Liberal MHA Rene Hidding is set to be appointed Tasmanian president of the prestigious Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.
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He will replace Disability Services and Community Development Minister Jacquie Petrusma who has announced that she will resign before her term ends at the end of the year.
The CPA is seen in some quarters as an international junket.
However, political analyst Professor Richard Herr said Mr Hidding was a “long time servant of the CPA” and a worthy president.
“Mr Hidding went to Nigeria and he arranged for Tasmania to have a twinning arrangement with Samoa,” Professor Herr said.
“His service is well regarded and his work has had positive consequences for Tasmania.
“I would not see it as a junket, but rather an opportunity for him.”
The CPA is the forum which enables MPs in commonwealth countries to meet and develop parliamentary practices and effective policies.
It was formed 90 years ago.
Mr Hidding gave up a ministerial position to stand as Speaker of the House of Assembly, but was defeated by Denison Liberal MHA Sue Hickey.
