More players report ‘poor treatment in netball’ in wake of Remi Kamo’s revelations

The Australian Netball Players Association says it has been contacted by other players making complaints about their ‘treatment in netball’ following Remi Kamo detailing her experience of the complaints process.

The Australian Netball Players Association says it is “critical and urgent” for Netball Australia to improve the way it responds to complaints after being contacted by other players in the wake of the Remi Kamo affair.

Former Queensland Firebirds player Kamo went public earlier this week with her reaction to NA’s independent investigation into alleged breaches of its policies by her former employer Netball Queensland, owners of the Firebirds Super Netball franchise.

Kamo said she had received only “platitudes and hollow assurances” from NA after raising issues with the handling of the investigation, including allegations that key witnesses had not been interviewed.

The ANPA said it had been inundated with messages of support for the stance it and Remi had taken.

Former Firebirds player Remi Kamo will turn out for the Northern Stars in New Zealand’s ANZ Premiership. Picture: Getty Images

“Through Remi’s bravery, others have also shared their stories of similar poor treatment in netball, making it critical and urgent for Netball Australia to improve the way it responds to complaints,” ANPA said in a statement released on Friday.

“Players need to have trust and confidence that Netball Australia’s complaint-handling policies and processes will treat them fairly.”

NA said earlier this week it had not received any other complaints but if it did so, they would be investigated.

“Outside of concerns that have already been independently investigated, to date, Netball Australia has not received any further misconduct allegations or claims specific to the experience of Firebirds players,” it said in a statement.

“Consistent with a speak up culture, should any player (or former player) in any team raise concerns about their experience, Netball Australia will listen and appropriately address them.

“There is an existing hotline for players to report concerns and complaints confidentially, as well as other mechanisms including the NA integrity inbox and through Sports Integrity Australia.”

Kamo did not have her Firebirds contract renewed at the end of last season. Photo: Graham Denholm/Getty Images

Kamo’s allegations included “victimisation, gaslighting, bullying and techniques designed to humiliate” players at the Firebirds.

She also said there had been a “whispering campaign against” her after the complaint was made, alleging she was “vexatious”.

It was something that the ANPA said it would be monitoring in the wake of support for Kamo this week.

“ANPA will also be keeping a close eye on the treatment of all those who have been supporting Remi,” its statement said.

“There must be no victimisation.” NA reiterated its view that the matter is now closed.

“The independent investigation into the Firebirds matter was concluded in February and the findings and outcomes were shared with all parties to the matter,” NA said in a statement earlier this week.

“Netball Australia has advised the ANPA that the independent investigation is closed, in line with the NA Integrity Framework.”

A spokeswoman yesterday repeated the organisation’s commitment to continue to support Kamo with “every avenue we have”, including a full suite of wellbeing services.