Professor Warner, AM, an influential figure in the evolution of Tasmanian criminal law for more than 30 years, will be the first woman to hold the role.

Describing herself as "intensely Tasmanian", Professor Warner, 66, said she hoped to bring to the role her passion for improving education in the state, which is dogged by low school retention rates.

She also staked out support of the state's national parks as they come under renewed pressures for tourism development by the Liberal government.

"I'm passionately interested in Tasmanian national parks," she said. "I'm a keen bushwalker, so I'd like to promote that aspect of Tasmanian life if I have the opportunity."

Professor Warner was the first female Law Dean at the University of Tasmania and is estimated by the university to have had a hand in teaching more than half the state's serving legal practitioners.

Director of the Tasmanian Law Reform Institute, she recently defended her views against mandatory sentencing, before a proposal to bring it in for forestry workplace protests was dropped last week by the state government.

Premier Will Hodgman said although the choice of a first woman Governor was historic, it was made solely on the basis of merit.

Federal Labor leader Bill Shorten said the appointment was "fantastic".

"She will make an excellent governor and I think it's a richly deserved appointment," he said.

"I think it helps increase the lustre of Tasmania within the federation that they've picked such a distinguished person to be their governor."

Tasmanian Greens leader Kim Booth said it was a welcome break from past practice of sourcing vice-regal representatives from either the military or the judiciary.

"This is a historic appointment on more than one level, as Tasmania finally appoints an extremely competent woman to the role of Governor," Mr Booth said.

Shadow Attorney-General Lara Giddings said the excellent choice of Professor Warner indicated the high community regard in which she was held.

To be sworn in on December 10, Professor Warner succeeds the late Peter Underwood, who died in July, early in his second term.

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