Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

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?