Beaconsfield Mine inquiry will start soon

The Tasmanian state government wants the inquiry into the Beaconsfield Mine accident to begin as soon as possible.

Premier Paul Lennon says there will be two investigations - one by the coroner and the other by workplace safety officials.

Mr Lennon says he will also talk to unions about mine safety so he can make sure the issues they want addressed are properly considered by government officials.

Meanwhile rescued miners Brant Webb and Todd Russell have been offered the chance to dispel memories of their gloomy 14-day incarceration with a sunny holiday on Norfolk Island.

Tourist groups on the South Pacific island have offered a free, eight-day second honeymoon to the pair and their wives.

The bidding war for the Tasmanian miner's story is also well and truly under way. Australian channel's Nine and Seven are reportedly battling it out to get the exclusive on the men's incredible story.

Channel Nine's new boss Eddie Maguire - aptly enough, the former host of "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire" - is aggressively wooing the rescued miners.

Maguire was seen talking to rescued miner Todd Russell in the local pub.

- NEWSTALK ZB