That the Senate—

(a) notes that:

(i) in 1992, following the sacking of Mr Alwyn Johnson from the Tasmania Bank, the Member for Bennelong (Mr Howard) wrote to the Tasmanian Government saying that Mr Johnson's actions may well have preserved jobs and saved millions of dollars,

(ii) the Minister representing the Prime Minister (Senator Hill) informed the Senate, on 7 December 1999, that the Commonwealth is prepared to take the matter up with the Tasmanian Government and see whether there is any avenue open to further assist Mr Johnson, and

(iii) no action has been forthcoming; and

(b) calls on the Government to fulfil its commitment and write to the Tasmanian Government to see what assistance can be provided to Mr Johnson, including the appointment of an independent arbitrator to assess the matter.