Tas ministries reshuffled for ill Goodwin

Former senator Guy Barnett has been handed more responsibility as a minister in Tasmania's Liberal government as the party reshuffles portfolios to manage the absence due to illness of Attorney-General Vanessa Goodwin.

More than a fortnight ago Dr Goodwin was diagnosed with multiple brain tumours and Premier Will Hodgman on Tuesday confirmed she will be unable to fulfil her ministerial duties for "some time".

Mr Barnett will take on Dr Goodwin's ministry for corrections, while Matthew Groom will become attorney-general and justice minister, and Mr Hodgman will be acting arts and heritage minister in changes formalised with the governor on Monday.