The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has determined that comments made during a fishing program on Channel Seven violated classification rules for PG-rated content. The remarks were made during an episode of "Step Outside with Paul Burt," which aired on 7mate in March 2025.

The ACMA's investigation revealed that the comments breached the commercial television industry code of practice, which mandates that themes of domestic conflict be handled with care. The segment featured presenter Paul Burt and guest Nicholas Small, known as 'Bush Cook Ranger Nick,' demonstrating how to cook battered field mushrooms.

During the segment, Small handed Burt a bowl of eggs and a fork, saying, "That's your job Pauly, you mix that up, give that a good beating, like you do with your missus. You don't beat your missus do you?" He then added, "Mine always likes, every now and then I just find I've gotta tie her to a tree and flog her with wire, you know?" Burt reacted by exclaiming, "No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, oh my God."

ACMA member Carolyn Lidgerwood stated that the comments were inappropriate for a PG-rated program. "These were disturbing comments," she said. "They may have been intended as a crude attempt at humour, but they were totally unacceptable. Viewers were not warned at the outset that the program contained such themes, and Channel Seven should have taken greater care in handling this sensitive and serious issue."

In response to the complaint, Channel Seven issued a public apology and removed the episode from both 7mate and 7plus. The network indicated that it had relied on assurances from the production company that the episode would comply with the classification code. However, ACMA emphasized that broadcasters cannot delegate their responsibility to ensure compliance with content regulations.

The ACMA is now considering appropriate enforcement actions regarding the incident. Small has been contacted for further comment.