Roger Cook says ABC’s segment on Gina Rinehart ‘unacceptable’ and used ‘confronting’ language

WA Premier Roger Cook has labelled an ABC segment that depicted graphic violence against Gina Rinehart as “unacceptable” but he stopped short of backing calls for the taxpayer-funded broadcaster to apologise to the mining billionaire.

The ABC aired the four-minute “A Very Relaxing Video” on the July 12 episode of its Race Around The World program.

In the clip, a character described as a “Scottish forest warrior ninja” leads program contestant Kate Guinness through relaxation exercises and nature-based activities before ending with a violent reference to Mrs Rinehart.

“Because when the revolution comes, will you hide under the bed? Or will you know exactly how to shove a stick right up Gina Rinehart’s butthole,” the film said.

“Stirring it around, mixing her guts up nice and smooth, making her into one big sausage roll to make something out of nothing.”

The ABC has defended the show’s treatment of Mrs Rinehart, claiming it was “intended to be satirical” and was “editorially justifiable” within the context of the program.

“We recognise that audiences may respond differently to creative content and hold a range of views about how it is presented,” an ABC spokesperson said.

Mr Cook said he hadn’t watched the program and wouldn’t comment on whether the public broadcaster should apologise but admitted it was not appropriate.

“I haven’t seen the footage in in relation to this particular issue, but I find the language confronting, and I think it’s unacceptable,” he said.

“I understand the ABC has responded to concerns, particularly from interests associated with Mrs Rinehart, and I’m sure they’ll undertake that work appropriately.”

Hancock Prospecting has queried whether the show breached the ABC Charter for content that is likely to cause harm or offence.

“This appalling material, presented by the taxpayer-funded ABC as ‘entertainment’, illustrated and graphically described Mrs Rinehart being sodomised and tortured in a manner that would kill her,” a Hancock Prospecting spokesperson said.

“It is nothing short of disgusting that the ABC would encourage and normalise violence and murder by broadcasting, publishing and continuing to distribute this content.

“A public apology would be the minimum appropriate response, but more importantly, a light must be shone on who let this go to air in prime time, and action taken.”

During the program, which was still available online on Monday, host John Safran even warned Ms McGuinness the segment would likely draw controversy.

“I’m currently in trouble for a Gina Rinehart joke I made on an SBS program and it’s currently making its way through the Ombudsman,” he said.

The ABC declined to comment further.

Federal Communications Minister Anika Wells has refused to comment.