Netball Australia chief executive Stacey West has backed the sport’s culture after standing by an independent investigation that cleared Super Netball side Queensland Firebirds of fostering a “toxic environment”.
The investigation was launched in August 2024 after a complaint by former Firebirds player Remi Kamo and was hailed by West as the first of its kind in Super Netball.
In handing down its results last week, the investigation found that “based on the evidence considered, the allegations were not substantiated in relation to specific breaches of these codes and policies”.
A disgruntled Kamo then took to social media to accuse the sport of having a “silencing culture”.
“If you have any opinions, diversity or courage – then you are othered as a ‘troublemaker’ – while the people benefiting from the silence stay in their positions of power,” Kamo wrote. “Shame on you Netball Australia for being complicit despite verbally confirming to me the environment was ‘toxic’.”
West said the investigation was closed but insisted the game would “listen and learn” as it prepares for the ninth season of Super Netball, which gets under way on April 5.
Netball Australia chief executive Stacey West.Credit: Getty Images for Super Netball
“An independent investigation created the opportunity for confidentiality. It created the opportunity for speaking up, and it created the first of our kind in terms of working through this level of detail,” West said.
“So I really want to say it is both complex, and it is also heartfelt, and we also want to demonstrate that we continue to listen, we continue to learn, and we will continue to evolve both our partnerships with those within our sport but also those outside in supporting a safe environment.”
In resisting calls to release the full findings of the investigation, West said its participants had been interviewed on the condition of anonymity.
“I think it’s really important to maintain that position that was creating that confidential opportunity and taking up the multiple perspectives and the multiple stakeholders that were part of that investigation,” West said.
Helen Housby, Kate Moloney, Matilda McDonell and Paige Hadley ahead of the ninth Super Netball season.Credit: Getty Images for Super Netball
“So, no. While I can acknowledge the ANPA’s [Australian Netball Players Association] response, and I’m working very closely with the ANPA, and I’ll continue to do that, the matter, and the investigation, has closed.”
When asked about the accusations levelled at the game, West said NA would be reviewing its policies and processes.
“I want to acknowledge that any time a player speaks up, we absolutely listen,” West said. “So it’s important that we continually evolve our processes to ensure that happens for our game.“
With netball the only team sport at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, and the 2027 World Cup being held in Sydney, West said the next two home seasons were crucial for the game’s growth.
“Outside of the performance of our Australian Diamonds, we want growth,” West said. “We want to ensure that every person can look at a screen, go to a venue and experience the fact that netball can be their vehicle in sport.”
