Netball Australia warned $18m will be stripped and reallocated to other sports in latest blow

The future of a Morrison-era pledge to inject millions into netball has been put in limbo after concerns were raised about Netball Australia’s priorities.

Cash-strapped Netball Australia has been warned nearly $18m in funding will soon be reallocated to other sports amid concerns it will not be appropriately spent.

The federal government sounded the alarm on the future of a Morrison-era pledge to invest $30m in the sport after the organisation failed to provide a satisfactory business case.

Of the $30m committed by the former government, $12.175m has already been handed out and was spent on digital initiatives, the bid for the 2027 World Cup and other programs.

But the remaining funds, about $17.83m, that had been set aside were left in limbo after the embattled organisation provided an underwhelming pitch to the Albanese government.

The Diamonds were successful at the World Cup but future funding is in limbo. Picture: Rodger Bosch / AFP

“On the matter of remaining uncontracted funds that had been set aside for Netball Australia, those funds had always been subject to the receipt of a sufficiently robust business case,” the government said in a statement.

“A satisfactory proposal has not been received that would enable appropriate use of these taxpayer funds.”

The Australian Sports Commission received the submission six weeks ago after being left waiting by NA for a formal submission for 18 months.

It’s understood a source of frustration was a lack of progress towards the World Cup compared with other sports such as rugby, which is also hosting its own landmark event in 2029.

Sports Minister Anika Wells said netball was “too important” for it to not be successful and noted the government already provided almost $4m in annual support to the Diamonds.

Sports Minister Anika Wells said she wanted netball to have its Matildas moment. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

“We will continue funding discussions with a view to ensuring the 2027 World Cup provides the sport its Matildas moment,” she said.

The impasse could result in the taxpayer funds being reallocated to other women’s sports, with Netball Australia being welcome to reapply for the funds already promised to them.

“I’m focused on outcomes for female athletes and quite simply, this money needs to be directed to areas I’m confident positive outcomes will happen,” Ms Wells said.

The government said it “remains open” to discussion with Netball Australia about future opportunities.

Netball Australia initially declined to comment.

But in a statement late on Thursday, chief executive Kelly Ryan confirmed the sporting body would submit an updated business case in a bid to win back the $18m in funding.

“The 2027 Netball World Cup, in the centenary year for Netball Australia, is a pinnacle moment for the sport and one that provides a halo effect for the growth and development of the sport for future generations,” she said.

“To that end, Netball Australia looks forward to submitting a proposal that supports the growth of the game through the legacy of the 2027 Netball World Cup.

“We will continue discussions with the federal government and provide them with a proposal that demonstrates that enables their investment in the growth of the netball community that is made up of over one million people.”

Netball Australia chief Kelly Ryan has faced a string of controversies during her time in the top job. Picture: NCA NewsWire /Emma Brasier

The matter is just the latest in a long line of controversies for the sport, including concerns about its financial viability and a bitter battle with players over a pay deal that has left them without pay for eight weeks.

Netball great Liz Ellis slammed NA’s latest offer, an 11 per cent pay rise over three years and back pay from October 1 as “offensive”.

Players’ association chief Kathryn Harby-Williams also labelled the move a “publicity stunt” as the union announced super netball players had rejected the interim offer. The union is pushing for a revenue-share proposal, which NA has refused to budge on.

Both parties are expected to return to the negotiating table on Friday.

Ms Wells declined to comment on the current challenges. A government spokesman said it was a matter for NA and its commercial partners, including private clubs.