The Hoot's taking a short break, but keep checking your pod feed. We will be back! It's a big year, after all. Look after yourselves over the winter. Rug up. Stay safe. And hoot, hoot! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Genevieve Jacobs & David Murtagh

This week on The Hoot, we're all about the money, money, money. We start with the ACT Budget (stop yawning; this is important), and then we get to the baffling pay rise for our new Governor General, Sam Mostyn. How big is the pay rise? How does 43 per cent sound? That's 43 per cent on a salary already nudging $500,000. (Let that sink in for a minut…

Join David Murtagh and newly minted Riotact Editor Claire Fenwicke as they tackle the big issues of the week: Dutton's nuclear policy, when public consultation goes off the rails and fans turning on the home team. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Genevieve Jacobs & David Murtagh

This week on The Hoot, the owls take a hard look at the ACT Government's 20-year plan to cull the number of poker machines in local clubs. Under the initiative, the number of poker machines in the ACT will be slashed to just 1000 by 2045 if Labor is re-elected in October (there are currently 3790). The primary goal is to reduce gambling harm. ACT L…

Good news! Claire Fenwicke is back, meaning Murtagh's evil reign has come to an end. And just in the nick of time. This week, the owl's talk about where to next for voluntary assisted dying now that it's been passed, which inevitably brings us to slippery slopes. And all was going well until Murtagh decided to mention Zed (you remember him?) Murtag…

You've heard about CSIRO's analysis of nuclear power, right? And you remember when the ACT Government told you how great the next stages of light rail would be (although not the cost ... which is odd ... but we digress). And you saw the Treasurer deliver the Budget (gee, you really are a sucker for punishment, aren't you!) How reliable are the figu…

This week on The Hoot, David Murtagh and Claire Fenwicke delve deep into Jack's Law, a move by the Canberra Liberals to combat knife crime. Hard to disagree with, right? But there's a problem. The law would allow police to use metal detection wands on people "without reasonable suspicion in designated areas". And that's where it gets complicated be…

How about that Budget?! Thrilling, eh! Yep, we're in the 'meh' boat, too. Talk about a nothing burger. There's not much to get excited about - until you start looking under the bonnet at the tricks. Like, if inflation is too much money and not enough stuff, how can throwing $300 at households by 'lowering' bills be anti-inflationary when it's reall…

This week on The Hoot, David Murtagh is joined by Assembly reporter Claire Fenwicke to discuss the growing debt in the ACT (are we that far off being Victoria?), the myriad failures in public housing, and one of the reasons the Barr Government is so keen on light rail is that we are projected to have a population of 780,000 in 2060. A question for …

This week on The Hoot, David Murtagh is joined by Assembly reporter Claire Fenwicke to discuss the latest efforts to improve system responses to sexual crime, the growing daylight between the Greens and Labor on transport policy, and bike riders. Why do cyclists make Canberrans so very, very angry? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informatio…

This week on the Hoot, we ask the hard questions about who has the right to exercise control. Can we limit social media, even when it's harmful? Is it OK to work on Anzac Day? And in a big transition, a founding owl flies the nest. It's the news you need from Ngunnawal country, with a light touch. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information…

On the Hoot this week, David and Genevieve solve some mysteries (or at least ask a few tough questions). Should we ban lobbyists? Where are the government's electric buses? And has Canberra ever been cool? It's all the news you need from Ngunnawal country, with a light touch. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

This week on The Hoot, David Murtagh and Genevieve Jacobs ask who will save Canberra United, whatever happened to the Greens' big housing brainwave and we tackle poo joggers! It's all the news you need to know (and some you don't want to think about) from Ngunnawal country. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

This week on the Hoot Genevieve Jacobs and David Murtagh ask what dual Labor governments have delivered for Canberra, what's really wrong with the economy and what this world is coming to when we have Easter trees. It's all the news you need from Ngunnawal country, with a light touch. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

If you want political power, do you need any actual policies? Does that help or hinder your election? This week on the Hoot we ask what Canberrans actually want from their pollies - and what's wrong with Monopoly. A lot, says Mr Murtagh. It's all the news you need from Ngunnawal country, with a light touch. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy i…

This week on the Hoot, David and Genevieve ask what's in the water and could you measure the state of the ACT economy by the levels of cocaine usage? We wonder whether the rich should pay more for aged care - if you can decide who is actually rich - and if you'd be happy flying alongside a dog, a cat, perhaps a cockatoo? It's all the news you need …

The halls of Parliament are all a-twitter as politicians wonder who the spy in their midst was. This week on the Hoot David and Genevieve wisely don't attempt to guess, in case we get sued (like almost everyone in the Drumgold matter). And how would you stop a robbery in progress? How about with a chip stand? It's the news you need to know with a l…

It's election season - who would have guessed? This week on The Hoot, David and Genevieve discuss political wedges and tricky questions, a debacle in foreign investment funding and just what random booze testing in Parliament House would actually achieve. It's all the news you need to know from Ngunnawal country, with a light touch. See omnystudio.…

Motorsports v light rail, the ACT's spiralling debt and why the Queensland premier should get back in his box (cos the Sunshine State ain't that great). We've got it all on this week's Hoot podcast with Genevieve Jacobs and David Murtagh. It's all the news you need from Ngunnawal country with a light touch. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy i…

Hoot, hoot podpeople - we're back for another Genevieve-less week of analysis. Don't fret, she'll be back up the Clyde in no time. On the agenda this week: we recap Valentine's Day and the brilliant advice from Claire Fenwicke and the less-than-great advice from Murtagh. The ACT Government is finally going to start issuing fines for mobile phone of…

Hoot hoot, Canberra! On this week's episode, David Murtagh is joined by Assembly reporter Claire Fenwicke - and the timing couldn't be better! Do you get the feeling the election's already underway? Andrew Barr has had some big infrastructure announcements already so get set for a hi-vis election. The Johnathan Davis saga continues and has exposed …

When is a promise broken, when is a lie not really a lie? This week on the Hoot, David Murtagh and Genevieve Jacobs ponder the big questions about who is a serious person any more in this mad world (including former judges). And are you sitting on a million dollars, if only you could find that lottery ticket? It's all the news you need from Ngunnaw…

It's January 26 - so how are you marking the day? What defines patriotism? David Murtagh and Genevieve Jacobs weigh in on the national day debate, Labor pre-selection shenanigans and another great debate - the best way to get down the coast. It's the news you need from Ngunnawal country with a light touch. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy in…

We're back for 2024 as Genevieve Jacobs and David Murtagh dig deep into local news, big ideas and how darn difficult it is to avoid hitting a light rail vehicle. Join us for a Summernats solution, a supermarkets stoush and the news you need with a light touch from Ngunnawal country. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

It's our final episode for the year as David Murtagh and Genevieve Jacobs dissect politics and the public service. And who is running away from Christmas? It's the news you need from Ngunnawal country, with a light touch. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Genevieve Jacobs & David Murtagh

This week on The Hoot, can Elizabeth Lee pull off a 2024 election win? What's the real role of experts in our community? And are you, personally, taking action on climate change? It's all the news you need to know with a light touch from Ngunnawal country. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

It's been a mighty fall from grace for one of Canberra;'s most powerful mandarins. But if it was easy to sack Mike Pezzullo, what happens next time? This week on the Hoot with Genevieve Jacobs and David Murtagh we talk about high flyers, more senators for the ACT and whether we all need that human touch at the checkout. It's all the news you need t…

Can you be too young for political office? This week on the Hoot, Genevieve Jacobs and David Murtagh debate intelligence versus wisdom and ponder whether the Canberra Liberals have a better chance of winning the 2024 ACT. And have you considered acquiring a rooster? The RSPCA would really, really, really like you to consider it (they have several).…

It's a murky week on the Hoot as David Murtagh and Genevieve Jacobs discuss the political implications from Johnathan Davis's resignation, the difference between dinner with friends and corrupt conduct and the Brindabella carpark that wasn't. It's the news you need from Ngunnawal country, with a light touch. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy …

Are you an Optus customer? Yes? lucky you! This week on the Hoot, does the federal government need to ensure our communications access? Can Elizabeth Lee really win the next ACT election? And how do you know you're a public servant? It's all the news you need with a light touch from Ngunnawal country See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informat…

On this week's episode of the Hoot, we delve into some very dark mysteries. What really happened when Mitchell and Wighton met the cops at 2am? Should you pay more taxes? And what good is your local Community Council? It's all the news you need from Ngunnawal country. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Have you ever seen the inside of the chairman's lounge? Neither have your podcast hosts, but this week's episode of the Hoot is still full of opinions on APS bosses living the high life, Mr Fluffy and Halloween. Get listening! Hoot, hoot! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Genevieve Jacobs & David Murtagh

The referendum has been and gone, but what are the consequences of the No vote? This week on the Hoot, Genevieve Jacobs and David Murtagh take a look at the political fallout for both sides. We're also wondering if Floriade needs a facelift along with Commonwealth Park? Our parking lots certainly do as we all get, ahem, bigger. See omnystudio.com/l…

On the Hoot this week ... David Murtagh makes the case for more shame in FOI, Claire Fenwicke explains why ACT criminal sentencing errs on the soft side, and does you bum look big in that seat (or is the seat too small?) A 'fuscular' podcast host explains. Does the ACT have a transparency problem? Ombudsman weighs in on concerns around FOI requests…

When is a vote not a vote? Apparently when it disagrees with the union bosses and they don't get the result they want. This week The Hoot looks at the CPSU vote that wasn't, the value of cost-benefit analyses and drones on Australia Day. Surely we can find better things to do with $450,000. Join Claire Fenwicke (filling in for Genevieve Jacobs) and…

It's been a bad week for senior public servant Mike Pezzullo - but who is really surprised to learn powerbroker and secretaries chat? This week's episode of the Hoot meditates on more independents in the ACT and asks whose voices are missing from the Voice debate. It's the news you need with a light touch from Ngunnawal country. See omnystudio.com/…

This week's episode of the Hoot has it all, from lowering the voting age to an extraordinary alleged scam at Griffith with a $30 million price tag and a rare McLaren supercar. And in between, how would you solve Canberra's housing crisis? It's all the news you need from Ngunnawal country with a light touch. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy i…

Can you speak your mind when you're a public servant? If not, why not? This week on the hoot Genevieve and Dave debate the difficulties of activism, whether the Canberra Liberals are mathematically doomed to opposition and a heartwarming tale of one fan's ultimate devotion to her favourite ice-hockey team. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy in…

It's time for the Hoot, with a brand new owl in the nest. Meet David Murtagh, who is already well versed in arguing with Genevieve about politics. This week, we tackle drug decriminalisation and the QANTAS brouhaha. It's all the news you need from Ngunnawal country, with a light touch. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Could Zed Seselja really resurrect his senate career - and do ACT voters want him? This week on the Hoot Ross Solly and Genevieve Jacobs dissect the board of inquiry, debate the ACT Liberals and discuss whether sports the last safe place for a good old barney. It's all the news you need from Ngunnawal country with light touch. See omnystudio.com/li…

Did we get light rail right? Would a specialist sexual assault court work better than the current system? And does the horror of Book Week costume choices have a point? It's time for the Hoot as Ross Solly and Genevieve Jacobs debate all the news you need to know from Ngunnawal country, with a light touch. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy in…

This week the Hoot is just as captured by Matildas mania as everyone else as ross and Genevieve discuss the future of women's sport. Elizabeth Lee is back at work, but the Liberals challenge is immense ahead of the 2024 election. And do you eat at the movies? It's all the news you need to know with a light touch from Ngunnawal country. See omnystud…

Extraordinary times in Canberra as an inquiry head leaks his own report, consultants face a potential death knell and various Region staff are mistaken for shop assistants. It's time for the Hoot with Ross Solly, Genevieve Jacobs and all the news you need from Nugunnawal country. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Action stations! This week's episode of The Hoot takes in everything from the revival of V8supercars to the Barbie film. Ross and Genevieve start with the serious questions over the Voice referendum, before asking if Andrew Barr has made a mistake squashing supercars' return? And who wore pink to the film? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy in…

It's a murky old world in Canberra where everyone knows everyone else all too well sometimes. This week on The Hoot, Ross and Genevieve discuss procurement criticism (and the CIT debacle), political party ties and why the government is investigating your bins. It's all the news you need from Ngunnawal country. See omnystudio.com/listener for privac…

Heads are rolling this week on the Hoot, as Ross Solly and Genevieve Jacobs discuss ministerial responsibility, post-COVID business failures and the unmitigated joys of a cats festival. It's all the news you need with a light touch from Ngunnawal country. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

It's the perennial political questions: who carries the can when it all goes wrong in the public sector? This week's news from Ngunnawal country with Ross and Genevieve looks at Robodebt, the ESA and puppy yoga (because that has responsibility issues too) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

It's time for the Hoot and this week, Ross Solly and Genevieve Jacobs have much to tell. As the Calvary saga rolls on, where are the ACT Liberals' health policies? Can a phoenix rise from the PwC ashes? And, critically, is Ross going to see Taylor Swift? It's all the news you need from Ngunnawal country. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy info…

is it finally time for a new Canberra stadium? Or are the promises so much hot air? The Hoot is here as Ross and Genevieve talk Territory rights and ask what the landmarks on our Monopoly board should be. It's your news with a light touch from Ngunnawal country. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

It's time for the Hoot, with Ross Solly, Genevieve Jacobs and all the news you need to know from Ngunnawal country. This week, why can't the smartest city in the land get literacy right? Is a Nick Kyrgios documentary a good idea? And what challenges should Canberra Survivors face? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…