The Hoot podcast

1:32

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.

1
The Hoot: Pop the champagne! It's time ACT buses had business class 21:55

44 weeks ago21:55

21:55

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 minute ...) What's more remarkable about the extra $200,000 a year is the reasoning behind the bump. Sometimes, you have to wonder whether our leaders live in the real world. Don't they know there's a cost-of-living crisis™? And finally, should there be Business Class on ACT buses ? Before you scoff, the idea has more merit than you might think. It's certainly a better idea than forking out an extra $4000 a week for a role whose main purpose is pinning gongs on people and scoffing scones and cucumber sandwiches. It's all on The Hoot, with Claire Fenwicke and David Murtagh. Share it, rate it, review it. And if you can figure out how to get an extra 200 k a year, let dmurtagh@region.com.au know. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
The Hoot: Dutton goes nuclear (you better believe there'll be fallout!) 23:07

45 weeks ago23:07

23:07

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.

1
The Hoot: Labor's pokies plan a high stakes gamble 18:48

46 weeks ago18:48

18:48

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 Labor says it will legislate to force clubs to give up 500 machines every four years until the target is met. But there's more. The sweetener will be a framework for clubs to develop sustainable alternative revenue streams, including practical ways for clubs to unlock their land so it can be used for housing, build-to-rent projects and aged care. But it's not all smooth sailing - in fact, the clubs are positively ropable. And where would we be without light rail? On a bus probably, but aside from that ... We're headed to the polls in October and it seems like light rail will again be a primary focus. Oh, goody. The Libs are in a spot of bother with their plan to put us on the buses , but the government has some problems, too. Some of the turns to Woden are a bit sharp for the not-too-nimble trams, so we'll be getting a tunnel . Of sorts. And they don't come cheap ... not that we know what the cost will be, but apart from that ... Finally, we discuss this park from Andrew Barr . Yes, it's a storm in a teacup, but isn't everything these days? If you haven’t subscribed to the Hoot, why haven't you? Like all Region products, to you, the listener, the reader, it’s free. No pay walls. Subscribe through your favourite pod app, leave a message, share, rate and review. Hoot, hoot! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
The Hoot: VAD's passed, but what happens next? 18:30

47 weeks ago18:30

18:30

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?) Murtagh's argument is basically that if you think a law is immoral, as Zed and Kevin Andrews did when VAD was first proposed in the territories, then it's your duty to stop it. That's what you'd do, right? And don't we want politicians to do what they think is right, not expedient or in their self-interest? Maybe, but Murtagh knows he is - again - in the minority and won't be winning many (or any) friends in the Territory, although Edmund Burke might be smiling. Then attention is turned to the gold-plated speechwriter in the office of Bill Shorten . Once you get past the astronomical salary ($310,000 a year, thank you very much), does it give clues to the problem the government will have in its efforts to cut contractor costs? If it has to pay more than double APS rates to get a pen for hire, how are they going to get IT specialists? And finally ... we go to Kambah! The biggest suburb in the southern hemisphere (if you don't count the bigger ones). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
The Hoot: Is CSIRO's nuclear reaction a fusion of fact and fiction, or another sign of the times? 16:38

48 weeks ago16:38

16:38

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 figures and their 'analysis'? Do you really trust them? Is CSIRO right when it says a nuclear reactor would cost $8.6 billion? No. They're wrong. Nothing against CSIRO, but predictions are hard - especially about the future! (It'll be waaaaay more than 8.6 - you can take that to the bank.) Remember, Snowy 2.0 was meant to cost $2 billion and could now be edging to (if not over) $13 billion. And it's about four years late. The truth is, they have no idea. No one does. Yet we place all our faith and make decisions based on what they swear is their reliable crystal ball. This week on The Hoot, Murtagh takes the reins and tackles the 'experts'. What could possibly go wrong? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
The Hoot on knife crime, supermarkets checkouts and THAT painting 20:48

49 weeks ago20:48

20:48

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 because it could result in profiling some marginal groups and increase police interactions. Where do you land on this issue? When it comes to supermarkets, of course, we're all profiled as thieves, if the new checkout regimen is anything to go by. But shouldn't there be a payoff for the customer if we're going to be put through the humiliation of suspicion? We have an idea. And finally, THAT painting. Everyone's got an opinion and it seems Gina doesn't have a lot of fans. Except Murtagh. Because someone should stick up for the (multi)billionaires. And in a no-way-related matter, sponsorship slots for The Hoot are available ... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
The Hoot: Can a pea-and-thimble trick really slay the inflation dragon? 19:56

50 weeks ago19:56

19:56

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 really putting more money into people's pockets? Surely Murtagh isn't the only one who smells a rat? Is the ABS really going to fall for this carnival trick? And the RBA? That and more in this week's Hoot, with David Murtagh and Claire Fenwicke. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
The Hoot: the ACT's ticking debt bomb, the problems with public housing and who said we want 'Big Canberra'? 22:12

51 weeks ago22:12

22:12

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 you: is this what we want in Canberra? And if so, can we still be the 'Bush Capital'? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
S3 E16: Improving legal responses to sexual violence, (yet) another transport election and bike wars 21:08

52 weeks ago21:08

21:08

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 information.…

1
S3 E15: Anzac Day, gnarly ethics - and an owl's farewell 19:24

1 year ago19:24

19:24

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.…

1
S3 E14: Lobbyists, political misjudgements and ghost buses 17:50

1 year ago17:50

17:50

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.…

1
S3 E13: Canberra United, housing brainwaves and poo (yes, poo) 14:14

1 year ago14:14

14:14

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.…

1
S3 E12: Labor governments, the economy (stupid) and Easter trees (what?) 17:04

1 year ago17:04

17:04

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.…

1
S3 E11: Liberal ideas, political stars and what's wrong with Canberra Monopoly 15:40

1 year ago15:40

15:40

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 information.…

The Hoot

1
S3 E9: Drugs in the water, paying for your oldies and jet-setting pets 16:47

1 year ago16:47

16:47

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 from Ngunnawal country, with a light touch. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

The Hoot

1
S3 E8: Spies, lies and Good Samaritans 15:57

1 year ago15:57

15:57

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 light touch from Ngunnawal country. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

The Hoot

1
S3 E7: Housing wedges, a hazelnut debacle and random booze tests 16:05

1 year ago16:05

16:05

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.com/listener for privacy information.…

The Hoot

1
S3 E6: ACT debt, motorsport madness and a random bloke from Queensland 16:26

1 year ago16:26

16:26

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 information.…

The Hoot

1
S3 E5 Love is in the air, Barnaby's on the footpath and get your hand off your phone 18:36

1 year ago18:36

18:36

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 offences detected by cameras - well, on 20 February. Why did it take so long? Why were there so many trial periods? Because Canberrans couldn't keep their hands off their phones (not us, of course, we never do wrong, and we know you're awesome, too). And finally ... the biggest news of the week. Barnaby Joyce . 'Nuff said. Have a listen, share and tell us what you think. Hoot, hoot! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

The Hoot

1
S3 E4: Get ready for a hi-vis election, the Johnathan Davis saga continues and a Valentine's Day tip 15:51

1 year ago15:51

15:51

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 some frayed edges in the governing coalition, and some welcome humanity in the rough and tumble of politics. And finally ... next Thursday is Valentine's Day and Claire has some essential, life-changing advice for every male listener. Listen, rate and share ... Hoot, hoot! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

The Hoot

1
S3 E3: Lies, damned lies and Walter Sofronoff KC's very curious calls 16:48

1 year ago16:48

16:48

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 Ngunnawal country with a light touch. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

The Hoot

1
S3 E2: Australia Day, Labor pre-selection and the great Clyde v Brown debate 19:08

1 year ago19:08

19:08

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 information.…

The Hoot

1
S3 E1: The Hoot on supermarkets, Summernats solutions and karma 15:57

1 year ago15:57

15:57

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.…

The Hoot

1
S2 E47: The year in review - and happy Christmas! 19:04

1 year ago19:04

19:04

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.

The Hoot

1
S2 E46: Lee's leadership, Schmidt's farewell and climate change cynicism 17:20

1 year ago17:20

17:20

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.…

The Hoot

1
S2 E45: The Pezzullo sacking, senate relevance and saying hello at the checkout 16:25

1 year ago16:25

16:25

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 to know with a light touch from Ngunnawal country. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

The Hoot

1
S2 E44: Youthful pollies, new life for Canberra Liberals and roosters (real ones) 16:31

1 year ago16:31

16:31

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). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

The Hoot

1
S2 E43: Labor Greens woes, corruption and the carpark that wasn't 15:46

1 year ago15:46

15:46

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 information.…

The Hoot

1
S2 E42: Optus, Elizabeth Lee and how you know you're a public servant 23:06

1 year ago23:06

23:06

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 information.…

The Hoot

1
S2 E41: Nightclubs, footballers, Community Councils and paying more tax 19:04

1 year ago19:04

19:04

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.…

The Hoot

1
Mr Fluffy, APS bosses flying high in the chairman's lounge and Halloween 15:22

2 years ago15:22

15:22

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.

The Hoot

1
The Hoot on fallout from the Voice, Floriade and oversized cars 16:10

2 years ago16:10

16:10

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/listener for privacy information.…

The Hoot

1
The Hoot tackles FOI, why ACT criminal sentencing looks soft and other weighty issues 20:20

2 years ago20:20

20:20

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 RSPCA wants stronger sentencing after man avoids conviction for starving dachshund Freedom of Information Act 2016 (if you're playing along at home). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

The Hoot

1
Union democracy, the mystery of light rail costings and Australia Day drones 17:16

2 years ago17:16

17:16

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 David Murtagh as they dissect the week's most interesting stories. Hoot, hoot Canberra! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

The Hoot

1
S2 E36: Mike Pezzullo's plight, return of the independents and missing voices on the Voice 16:24

2 years ago16:24

16:24

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/listener for privacy information.…

The Hoot

1
S2 E35: Canberra planning, lowering voting age and one hell of an (alleged) scam 15:32

2 years ago15:32

15:32

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 information.…

The Hoot

1
S2 E34: public servant voices, Liberal electoral chances and a heartwarming tale 15:21

2 years ago15:21

15:21

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 information.…

The Hoot

1
S2 E33: A brand new Hoot on drug decriminalisation and QANTAS hi-jinks 16:49

2 years ago16:49

16:49

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.…

The Hoot

1
S2 E32: Zed's problematic resurrection, shouting at sport - and a farewell 13:58

2 years ago13:58

13:58

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/listener for privacy information.…

The Hoot

1
S2 E31: Electric buses, a sexual assault court and the horror of Book Week 13:55

2 years ago13:55

13:55

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 information.…

The Hoot

1
S2 E30: Matildas mania, Elizabeth Lee and cinema etiquette 12:24

2 years ago12:24

12:24

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 omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

The Hoot

1
S2 E29: Sofronoff, consultants and being mistaken for a shop assistant 15:13

2 years ago15:13

15:13

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.…

The Hoot

1
S2 E28: A racy episode on the Voice, V8 supercars and the Barbie movie 14:26

2 years ago14:26

14:26

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 information.…

The Hoot

1
S2 E27: Dark days for procurement, community politics and what's in your bins 14:42

2 years ago14:42