FEAR & GREED | Business News Hate legislation on shaky ground; air traffic chaos; Hollywood’s highest grossing actor
Jan 15, 2026
The federal Opposition and Greens push back against controversial hate speech legislation. Air traffic chaos ensues due to a shortage of controllers, prompting discussions on AI's potential role in the sector. Meanwhile, households report increased spending, with a notable 15-month streak of growth. In Hollywood, Zoe Saldana makes history as the highest-grossing actor of all time, raking in $15.5 billion thanks to her blockbuster roles. Plus, NASA conducts its first medical evacuation from the ISS, showcasing rapid advancements in space travel.
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Rushed Omnibus Bill Sparks Rights Concerns
- The government's omnibus hate speech bill mixes hate speech, firearms and migration measures in one rushed package.
- That approach raises scrutiny and civil-rights concerns, leaving opposition and Greens unwilling to support it.
Exemptions And Overreach Create Legal Tension
- Civil society and legal experts warn the legislation may overreach and criminalise speech not linked to terrorism.
- Faith groups disagree about religious-text quoting exemptions, highlighting complex trade-offs.
Controller Shortages Trigger Nationwide Chaos
- A sudden shortage of air traffic controllers caused widespread cancellations and long delays at Sydney and nationwide.
- Absences strained the network because delays at Sydney ripple across other capital cities.