Senator RONALDSON (Victoria—Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Centenary of ANZAC and Special Minister of State) (14:36): I thank the honourable senator for his question. I understand that the CSIRO board agreed to this proposed merger at its meeting on 30 April, that the NICTA board has agreed to it in principle and that CSIRO anticipates that NICTA members will be asked to agree to changes required to its board and to the NICTA constitution The two organisations have begun working together on some projects. Formal ratification is required, but I understand that the merger will build a more impactful ICT capability for Australia by creating one of the largest single digital innovation teams in the world. In relation to the staff, I have a note here from the minister saying that it 'will create one of the world's largest cohorts of highly qualified ICT staff and the collective skill of this team will be used to keep Australia at the leading edge in science and innovation.' The current reduction in funding to NICTA requires a close inspection of all aspects of the merged body to reduce cost. In relation to the recent Senate estimates hearing, which I think you might be referring to, and the 200 job losses, it may have an impact across both organisations, but I am confident CSIRO will do its utmost to increase external revenue to minimise this. Just in the last 13 seconds, you will appreciate that indeed— Opposition senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order on my left! Senator RONALDSON: I suppose that has— The PRESIDENT: Thank you, Minister. That was appalling. I trust that senators understand that you are televised. I expect better behaviour than this. That was very pathetic. Senator Abetz: Mr President, on a point of order: I would invite you to write to the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Shorten, in the other place to indicate the behaviour of his frontbench during question time and that, unless there is some sort of discipline in this place, there will be the farcical situation that we just witnessed egged on by the leader of the opposition in this place. If leadership, Mr President, cannot be shown in this place by Senator Wong, Mr Shorten, clearly, will need to step in. Senator O'Sullivan: Mr President, on a point of order: the crossbenchers get a rare chance to ask a question and hear an answer. I think you should consider restarting the clock to allow the minister to answer this question fully. Opposition senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order! On my left! Senator Ian Macdonald: Mr President, on the point of order: I was about to take the same point of order. Senator Wang is entitled to hear the answer to his question without the members of the Labor Party shouting down the minister so Senator Wang cannot hear it. The PRESIDENT: Order! I just want to make the comment that I think this has been one of the worst question times—and there has been bad behaviour on both sides—but what we have just witnessed from my left was very disappointing. Could I ask that all senators just consider their behaviour, consider the duty they have to the public of Australia to behave respectfully in this chamber and let's move on with question time with a lot more decorum, fewer interjections—humorous and intellectual interjections occasionally are very good but not constantly, in a raised voice and continually from the same senators. Can we move on and demonstrate to the public of Australia that they should have confidence in this Senate. Senator Ian Macdonald: Mr President, on a point of order— The PRESIDENT: Senator Macdonald, if you think this is really going to help. Senator Ian Macdonald: Senator Wang is entitled to be able to hear the answer to his question— The PRESIDENT: I agree with you. Senator Ian Macdonald: and I am asking that you give Senator Ronaldson at least 13 seconds to finish his answer to Senator Wang. Opposition senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order! Was anyone listening in the last few minutes? We are going to proceed, and I want order. Senator Wang, you have a supplementary question.