Shorten backs Green as Tas Labor leader

Federal Labor leader Bill Shorten has backed Bryan Green to remain head of the Tasmanian party.

With a state election due in 2018 there have been rumblings the island's opposition leader would be replaced before the campaign.

Recent polls have given just 20 per cent support for Mr Green as premier, compared to 52 per cent for the incumbent Liberal Will Hodgman.

"My money is on Bryan Green to stand up for Tasmanians' cost of living and jobs issues," Mr Shorten said during a brief visit to Hobart on Thursday.