The Queensland Firebirds have today been cleared by an investigation into the club’s culture due to the fact allegations were “not substantiated”, but the matter may not yet be “closed”.
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Defender Remi Kamo became the first Super Netball player to lodge an official complaint with Netball Australia (NA) amid claims of a “toxic” environment and gaslighting after exiting the club in July.
As a result, an independent investigation was launched by NA in August last year.
But after seven months, and only days out from the 2025 Super Netball season start, NA has officially completed its investigation with “no further action” to be taken against the Firebirds.
“In August 2024 Netball Australia appointed an independent investigator to investigate complaints that alleged breaches of the Netball Australia Code of Conduct and Member Protection Policy by Netball Queensland and members of its staff,” NA CEO Stacey West said on Tuesday.
“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.
“For these reasons, no further action will be taken with respect to the allegations made.”
Despite the finding, the Australian Netball Players’ Association (ANPA) believes the matter is “not yet closed” given a reported lack of transparency from NA.
“ANPA supports the players coming forward to raise safety concerns about their workplace,” ANPA CEO Kathryn Harby-Williams said in a statement.
“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. 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.
“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.”
West said she and NA wanted to “reiterate” that all participants should be “treated fairly, and with care, at all times”.
“We encourage a ‘speak up culture’ and will continue to take necessary steps to examine concerns when they are raised,” she said.
“We will also continue to listen, learn, and respond to ensure everyone feels safe at netball.”
It comes after Kamo made claims against the Firebirds culture, telling the ABC “unfortunately, my memories of playing Super Netball are always going to be soured”.
Earlier this month Firebirds star, and new club captain, Ruby Bakewell-Doran opened up on their 2024 season which saw assistant coach Sara Francis-Bayman depart in the days leading up to the first game, coach Bec Bulley make a mid-season exit and star shooter Donnell Wallam not offered a new deal.
“Obviously a very tumultuous time for the club and for Bec herself and all our coaching staff involved in that,” she told Fox Sports.
“I think no one, no club ever wants to go through something like that so it was incredibly tough.
“For us it was just very much moving forward, and looking at what does the club need to do better to create the space that is going to lead to positive performances and a positive workplace as well. The club has really put in the hard yards over the last six months to make sure that is the direction we’re heading in.”
Bakewell-Doran denied claims it was a player-led revolt that saw Bulley make a shock departure, with assistant Lauren Brown following days later.
“No that was very much an above board thing – that was our leadership that took control of that matter. That was a consultative method that took place,” she said.
While wishing former teammates Wallam and Kamo all the best in their new teams in New Zealand’s ANZ Premiership, Bakewell-Doran was excited to see what the Firebirds could produce under new mentor Kiri Wills in 2025.
“There’s been huge change in the club. That’s come from a systems and processes standpoint as well – really making sure our foundations as a club are where they need to be so that moving forward we do have the support – and that’s support for everyone, players and coaching staff included,” she said.
“I think the club has done a really good job in that regard so that we don’t need to re-live a season like that ever again.”
In Tuesday’s statement, NA pledged to continue to deliver education to all SSN clubs on bullying, harassment and cultural and psychological safety, and work with the ANPA and clubs to improve awareness on how to lodge and concern and the process beyond that point.
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