Premier Peter Gutwein has appointed Ms Barbara Baker as Tasmania's 29th Governor after receiving approval from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
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Ms Baker, a lawyer and former Federal Magistrate, takes over from Tasmanian Governor Kate Warner whose extended term as Governor ends early June.
She was the first female partner of the law firm Murdoch Clarke in 1993, the first Tasmanian woman to be appointed as a Federal Magistrate in 2008, retiring from her role as a judge of the Federal Circuit Court of Australia on 31 January 2021.
She will be the second woman Governor in Tasmania, following on from Professor Warner.
For me it is very important to raise awareness about that issue so that victims of family violence understand and can identify what family violence is, and also, so the community can actually call out perpetrators.
- Governor Designate Barbara Baker
As a lawyer, Ms Baker specialised in family law and relationship matters, and said she will focus on gender equality and family violence issues in the community.
"Having regard to my work as a judge, the majority of my parenting cases involved family violence, so I have seen the impact from expert reports on children, how it affects their development, they become insecure, they fear and become hyper-vigilant," she said.
"For me it is very important to raise awareness about that issue so that victims of family violence understand and can identify what family violence is, and also, so the community can actually call out perpetrators."
With a long history playing and engaging in sports, including hockey and tennis, Ms Baker said she would like to encourage young children to participate in sport from a young age, and also, wants to be a role model or young lawyers.
"I look forward to meeting as many Tasmanians as possible, from all regions, from all walks of life, to hear about their concerns, hopes and achievements."
Premier Peter Gutwein said Ms Baker will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role.
"I am sure she will bring the same commitment and enthusiasm to the role that she has displayed throughout her extensive career."
He also thanked outgoing Governor Professor Kate Warner for her dedication.
"I also thank Her Excellency for continuing beyond her initial term to provide stability for the State as we responded to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic."
