Netball Australia release findings into complaints from former Firebirds’ player, but players association says matter ‘not closed’

Former Queensland Firebirds defender Remi Kamo made formal complaints against her Super Netball club last year. Now, Netball Australia has revealed the results of their investigation.

Netball Australia has released the findings of an independent investigation into the Queensland Firebirds, finding no breaches of the governing body’s policies despite a formal complaint from outgoing defender Remi Kamo.

But the Australian Netball Players Association (ANPA) says from its perspective, “the matter is not yet closed” and it wants further work to reach “an appropriate resolution for players”.

While NA’s formal statement does not identify Kamo, the former Super Netball defender, who has now linked with the Auckland-based Stars in New Zealand’s ANZ Premiership, publicly confirmed she had lodged an official complaint into the club’s culture last year.

Chief executive Stacey West confirmed the investigation was into alleged breaches of the Netball Australia Code of Conduct and Member Protection Policy, by Netball Queensland (NQ, owners of the Firebirds) and members of its staff.

Stacey West, CEO of Netball Australia, has confirmed the nature of the investigation. Picture: Kelly Defina/Getty Images for Netball Australia

“This investigation has been completed, with the independent investigator finding that, based on the evidence considered, the allegations were not substantiated in relation to specific breaches of these codes and policies,” West said.

“For these reasons, no further action will be taken with respect to the allegations made.”

It’s understood allegations made by Kamo, included NQ being a toxic workplace where athletes were “gaslighted”.

It is understood former Firebird Remi Kamo was the complainant who prompted the investigation. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images for Netball Australia

Kamo, who has Maori heritage, and Donnell Wallam, a Noongar Aboriginal woman, both came off contract last season and were not re-signed by the Firebirds.

Wallam was not a complainant but it’s understood Kamo’s formal statements included issues both players experienced.

Wallam was not a complainant. Picture: Graham Denholm/Getty Images

Neither player attended the club’s end-of-season awards function and both unfollowed the Firebirds on social media accounts.

Under its process, NA has not named Kamo, or the NQ staff named in the complaint.

It has also not detailed the complaints made, only confirming they fell under the Code of Conduct and Member Protection Policy, which allowed NA to investigate its member organisation NQ.

However, given NA has also committed to “ongoing education around bullying, harassment and cultural and psychological safety”, it’s clear the allegations were serious.

ANPA chief executive Kathryn Harby-Williams said in a statement the association supported players coming forward to raise concerns about their workplace.

Harby-Williams was the Commonwealth Games Australia Team Executive Member in 2018 before later moving on to represent the Australian Netball Players Association. Picture: Michael Dodge/Getty Images

“Following notification of the outcome of NA’s findings, the players have repeatedly asked NA to provide a copy of the investigation report or alternatively a summary,” Harby-Williams said.

“NA has declined these requests.

“It is difficult for ANPA and the players to accept NA’s determination that there has been no breach of NA’s policies without this further detail.”

NA engaged an independent company that specialises in workplace inquiries to investigate the claims, lodged in August last year.

The timeline for response to the claims has been criticised in some circles, however, it’s understood both the formal complaint, and the investigation were firsts for NA, which will now have a smoother process to follow should the need arise.

“Netball Australia wishes to reiterate, in a broader context, that we expect all participants in our game to be treated fairly, and with care, at all times,” West said.

“We encourage a ‘speak up culture’ and will continue to take necessary steps to examine concerns when they are raised.

“We will also continue to listen, learn, and respond to ensure everyone feels safe at netball.

“To show further commitment to these principles, NA will:

1. Continue to deliver ongoing education around bullying, harassment and cultural and psychological safety across all SSN (Super Netball) clubs; and
2. Work with the Australian Netball Players Association and the clubs to improve awareness around our policies, how to lodge a concern, and the process by which concerns are considered.”

Netball Australia reiterated their commitment to fairness. Picture: Mark Wilson

But ANPA wants more detail.

“From our perspective, the matter is not yet closed and ANPA will continue to work with NA to reach an appropriate resolution for the players,” Harby-Williams said.

NQ (owners of the Firebirds) released a statement saying it was pleased the matter had now concluded.

“Netball Queensland and the Queensland Firebirds club has co-operated fully throughout the independent investigation,” the statement said.

“For further enquiries we refer to Netball Australia’s media statement on the matter.”

Former Firebirds head coach Bec Bulley, who parted ways with the club last year with five games remaining in the season, was also contacted but did not want to make comment at this stage.

There is no suggestion of any wrongdoing against Ms Bulley.

Kamo’s management has also been contacted by Code Sports for comment.

Originally published as Netball Australia release findings into complaints from former Firebirds’ player, but players association says matter ‘not closed’