Prime Minister Julia Gillard says she is confident Tasmanian deputy premier Lara Giddings is ready to step into the state's top job following David Bartlett's shock resignation.
Mr Bartlett on Sunday said he had decided to resign in order to spend more time with his family.
He will remain an MP for the rest of his term but will not contest the next election.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
Ms Gillard said Mr Bartlett had made an enormous contribution to Tasmania in his roles as premier and education minister.
"(I wish) David well in his future role in the Cabinet, where he will continue to play a leading role in the state Labor government," she said in a statement.
Mr Bartlett endorsed Ms Giddings as his successor, as did Ms Gillard.
"Lara has been an active and valued member of the state cabinet since 2004 and is well placed to take on the role of premier," she said.
