1 week Ago
Netball Queensland has responded to “unsubstantiated” claims from former Queensland Firebirds defender Remi Kamo, rejecting any suggestion the club created an unsafe workplace. Last year, Netball Australia launched an investigation into the inner workings of the Queensland Firebirds after Kamo accused the club of gaslighting and other “toxic” behaviour, while Firebirds coach Bec Bulley was stood down midway through the season following a player revolt. Remi also claimed that players who spoke up about the culture in 2023 were not offered contracts the following year due to their complaints.
But after a seven-month review, NA closed the matter following an independent investigation that found Kamo’s allegations “were not substantiated” — no further action was taken. The Australian Netball Players’ Association hit out at NA for failing to release the investigation’s report – or even a summary of the findings — while Kamo accused the organisation of being “complicit”. Kayo Sports brings you every game of the 2025 Suncorp Super Netball season, LIVE in 4K.
New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer > On Sunday afternoon, Netball Queensland and the Queensland Firebirds released a joint statement acknowledging Kamo’s allegations, reiterating the independent investigator had deemed that no further action was needed. “Netball Queensland and the Queensland Firebirds, in accordance with due process and Netball Australia’s integrity policies, cooperated fully with the independent investigator throughout the matter,” the statement read.
“Whilst there have been calls for the independent investigators report to be released, Netball Queensland notes that all respondents to the independent investigation were promised confidentiality. Further, upholding confidentially is a fundamental principle for people to participate in a process involving the Netball Integrity Policy Framework. “Netball Queensland and the Queensland Firebirds reject suggestions the organisation is an unsafe workplace as well as labelling the 2024 Firebirds a ‘toxic’ organisation.
“Netball Queensland and the Queensland Firebirds further reject the new accusations by Remi that players in 2023 who spoke up about the culture were not re-contracted in 2024. It is unfortunate that Remi chooses to continue to make unsubstantiated claims about the club, its athletes and staff. “As is normal with any professional sporting team, the playing roster for the next season and beyond is reviewed throughout the current season.
The ultimate goal of list management decisions, as with all clubs, is sustained on court success. This has and will continue to be the basis of all recruitment decisions. “We acknowledge that communication to athletes not receiving a contract is difficult to receive.
Players affected by any changes are notified in a timely manner of the club’s directions to enable agents to help their clients seek new opportunities. “Players, coaches and support staff at the Firebirds are well supported with access to a psychologist and an Athlete and Wellbeing Manager. The organisation encourages any employee with concerns or issues about their working environment to bring those matters to attention and are supported to do this through a range of guidelines, policies and frameworks.
“We take seriously our position as custodians of netball in Queensland and embrace our responsibility to promote inclusion, gender equality and diversity. “Netball Queensland and Queensland Firebirds staff and athletes will make no further comments on these matters.” NA also released a statement, highlighting that participants who were interviewed for the independent investigation did so with the understanding their contributions would be confidential.
“The independent investigation into the Firebirds matter was concluded in February and the findings and outcomes have been shared with all concerned,” the NA statement read. “No additional claims have been received by Netball Australia with regard to players at the Queensland Firebirds. “Consistent with a speak up culture, should any player in any team raise concerns about their experience we would consider them.
‘Netball Australia continues to work with all clubs to deliver education around bullying, harassment and cultural and psychological safety, and alongside ANPA to improve awareness around our policies and integrity framework.”.
