FEAR & GREED | Business News Hate speech laws pass; superannuation delivers strong results; Nike backs pickleball
Jan 20, 2026
The recent passage of hate speech and gun buyback laws created a split in the Coalition government. Origin Energy extends the life of a major coal-fired power station, impacting NSW's energy supply. Meanwhile, strong superannuation results boast an 8.8% return for savers. Nike makes headlines with its endorsement of pickleball star Anna Lee Waters, signaling a fresh venture into the sport. The legacy of designer Valentino Garavani is honored, highlighting his major influence on luxury fashion.
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Broad Powers With Extra Safeguards
- The new hate speech laws let authorities outlaw organisations to protect the community across multiple harms.
- Liberal concessions require opposition leader and ASIO Director-General backing for any outlawing decision.
Gun Reform Passed With Bipartisan Elements
- Cross-party negotiation let Labor and the Liberals pass gun reform after the Bondi massacre.
- The Greens backed the package in the Senate, ensuring it becomes law with Liberal amendments.
Coal Plant Lifespan Extended
- Origin Energy will extend Araring power station operation to mid-2029 despite prior closure plans.
- The move reflects trade-offs between reliability and emissions while renewables and storage scale up.