Top Tasmanian prosecutor sacked

The Tasmanian Director of Public Prosecution has been sacked after being convicted on a charge of negligent driving resulting in death.

Top Tasmanian prosecutor, Tim Ellis, has been sacked after being convicted of negligent driving. (AAP)

Tasmania's Director of Public Prosecutions has been sacked over a 2013 car crash that claimed a young woman's life.

The Tasmanian government announced on Friday that Tim Ellis SC would be removed from the office, effective immediately.

It followed the lapse of period in which Mr Ellis could appeal his conviction on a charge of negligent driving resulting in a death.

Natalia Pearn, 27, died after Mr Ellis's car crashed head-on into hers while he was driving on the wrong side of the Midland Highway, in March 2013.

Mr Ellis - one of Tasmania's highest-paid public servants - had controversially remained on leave and on full pay since being charged in November 2013.

"The government fully appreciates that the matter we are discussing has been the matter of some public interest, even concern," Tasmanian Premier Will Hodgman told reporters on Friday.

"I can assure Tasmanians that we acknowledge the concern at the time this matter, which is a complex legal matter ... has taken to be finalised."

He said the government had moved to restore confidence in the office, and the premier again extended his condolences to Ms Pearn's family.

Mr Ellis was technically removed on grounds of misbehaviour, and his sacking required the approval of Tasmania's governor.

The government also flagged changing the law to end the "effective life tenure" of the DPP's role.

"We will also be looking to potentially remove the obligation to provide full pay to statutory officers suspended from duty," Attorney-General Vanessa Goodwin said.

Ms Goodwin said Mr Ellis has not been given a payout, though he will receive his accrued leave entitlements totalling about $290,000.

Shadow attorney-general Lara Giddings said the opposition supported the decision not to keep Mr Ellis in the role.

"The government must prepare amendments for the first sitting of parliament to allow for a time-limited contract for the appointment of a new DPP," Ms Giddings said.

"This would bring this appointment in line with other senior appointments across the public service as well as interstate."

Acting DPP Daryl Coates SC will continue on in the role until a new DPP is appointed.

Mr Ellis was sentenced to four months jail, wholly suspended, and disqualified from driving for two years.

The court was told he might have fallen asleep while driving due to sleep apnoea.