Hancock Prospecting has criticised the ABC’s apology over a short film depicting graphic violence towards Gina Rinehart, calling the response belated and arguing the broadcast normalised violence against women. The dispute matters because it has renewed scrutiny of the public broadcaster’s editorial standards and the limits of satire.

The four-minute film, made by Race Around The World contestant Kate McGuinness, aired on 12 July and included a violent fantasy involving Rinehart. ABC managing director Hugh Marks apologised after the broadcaster’s ombudsman found no editorial-policy breach but said the episode fell short of community expectations; the material was removed from ABC platforms. McGuinness had previously apologised, saying her work was farcical and not intended to promote violence.