Qld chief justice to step in as governor

Queensland's embattled chief justice will temporarily become the head of the state, while discussions about his resignation offer drag on.

Justice Tim Carmody, who is on extended sick leave for a back problem, will fill in for Governor Paul de Jersey from Friday morning, News Corp Australia reports.

The governor is heading to Victoria and won't be back until Wednesday, leaving the chief justice to fill in as per the rules prescribed by the state's constitution.

Justice Carmody, who isn't due to return from sick leave until June 29 but has been performing civic and administrative duties, has acted as governor several times before.