Senator BIRMINGHAM (South Australia—Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) (14:07): I— Honou rable senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order!. Senator Birmingham, please resume your seat. This is a most disorderly start to question time and I'm going to ask those on my left and my right to listen with respect. Senator Birmingham. Senator BI RMINGHAM: Thank you, President. Together with Senators Babet, Hansen, Lambie, Pocock, Roberts and Tyrrell, I have just written to Senator Wong, and the minister, indicating that we do not accept the arguments put forward by the government to defend its cutting of Senate estimates and that we will not be in a position to support the proposed sitting schedule for 2023. If, as you say, you're all for transparency, accountability and respect of the parliament, will you listen to the crossbench senators and the opposition, and revisit your decision to axe this estimates week? Senator Wong: It's— The PRESIDENT: Senator Wong, please wait for the call. Senator Wong.