Netball has a $17 million federal government funding bonanza in limbo amid its bitter pay dispute

Netball is yet to see the majority of a record federal government funding commitment, with its right to receive it being assessed amid the sport’s ugly pay dispute. LINDA PEARCE reveals why.

Netball Australia CEO Kelly Ryan, who is in the midst of a pay dispute with players and now facing scrutiny over withheld government funding. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

It was hailed as the largest single investment in Australian netball by a federal government. Announced in the marginal Melbourne seat of Chisholm back in 2019 by then-Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Sports Minister Bridget McKenzie in the presence of senior netball officials and Diamond Madi Browne.

Specifically, a coalition election promise to deliver $30 million — including $10 million in infrastructure funding more than the Labor opposition’s pledge of $20 million in wholly operational capital under Bill Shorten — for multiple initiatives including grassroots participation, relationships with Asia and the 2027 World Cup bid.

Should, of course, the Morrison Government defy the opinion polls and remain in power.

Once it did, it’s believed the first $4.5 million tranche of the $13 million received so far by Netball Australia arrived early in 2021.

Yet significantly, the $17 million balance of a mix of operational and infrastructure capital is still undistributed, and the Australian Government remains in discussion with NA in relation to funding, according to the office of current Sports Minister Anika Wells.

So why? What’s the hold-up?

Especially given the parlous state of NA’s finances, and the unedifying stoush with the player union over a relatively modest revenue-share deal that is being rejected by NA and the Super Netball clubs as something the game cannot afford?

Scott Morrison committed $30m in federal government funding to netball while prime minister, yet $17m remains in limbo. Picture: Will Russell/Getty Images

CODE Sports has been told by several sources that Netball Australia was tardy in presenting its business case as part of a process ongoing since the availability of the funds under the Albanese Government was confirmed 13 months ago, and that when it arrived, the submission outlining how the money would be spent was generally underwhelming.

It is understood that the contents and priorities were a source of contention from even within the sport itself.

So the much-needed cash remains in limbo, its fate currently being assessed by the Australian Sports Commission, before a final decision is made by Wells and the Office for Sport.

Netball’s ongoing and increasingly bitter pay standoff cannot be helping the national association’s cause.

Suggestions that the destiny of the $17 million has already been determined are believed to be incorrect, but there is clearly a feeling in Canberra that the sport needs to be run better than it is currently; even if there is not, yet, the appetite to intervene.

The Australian Netball Players Association scheduled a member meeting for Wednesday afternoon, after ANPA president and Diamonds/Vixens’ defender Joanna Weston ramped up the campaign on ABC Breakfast TV and with the players continuing to present a united front.

Meanwhile, two senior NA staffers have resigned recently, including one this week.

Federal Minister for Sport Anika Wells is considering whether netball should be granted a remaining $17m in funding. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

On Wednesday, the Sports Minister made her first brief public statement on the CPA standoff.

“I have said numerous times that I support athletes and their voice being heard,” Wells said. “I want to see this sorted so netballers can be paid to play the game they love.”

The Sports Commission, which provides a significant amount of annual government funding to support the Diamonds’ high performance program and NA’s participation initiatives, is watching closely, too.

A spokesperson said in a statement to CODE: “The ASC worked closely with the independent panel that produced the State of the Game review in 2020 and we continue to support netball to implement the findings and recommendations that can ensure netball is a sustainable sport for all stakeholders.”

That $17 million would clearly help and its fate is expected to be known within weeks.

“Netball Australia continues to work with the Federal Government and the Australian Sports Commission regarding future funding,’’ an NA spokesperson said in a statement to CODE Sports, replying to a list of questions on the funds that, like the players themselves, remain in limbo.

“Netball is a cornerstone of Australian sport, with more than one million Australians participating or connecting with the sport. Netball also remains the number one participation sport for women and girls across the country.”

Originally published as Netball has a $17 million federal government funding bonanza in limbo amid its bitter pay dispute