Kamo claims Firebirds investigation was mishandled

Source : ABC NEWS

Independent investigators probing a formal complaint made about the Queensland Firebirds are being accused of not interviewing key witnesses, while another former player has told ABC Sport of similar distrust with the system.

Remi Kamo and the Australian Netball Players’ Association (ANPA) released separate statements on Wednesday, voicing concerns about the potential mishandling of the investigation that followed Kamo’s complaint about the culture at the Firebirds.

In March, the investigation concluded, with Kamo’s claims deemed to be unsubstantiated with no further action to be taken.

Since then, Netball Australia has refused to hand over the report, a summary or any details of its findings, citing a promise of confidentiality to those who took part.

However, Kamo and ANPA have said key witnesses were not interviewed who they believe could have changed the outcome of the investigation.

“It turns out that one can be simultaneously brave and naive,” Kamo said.

“Naive to think the fairness which the sport of netball teaches its players would extend to the way netball administration treats its players.

“I believed all relevant witnesses to my complaint would be interviewed but they were not. Some people who saw and felt what I did were not even contacted, despite being available to help the investigation … People who, to this day, are ready to give evidence.

“I have repeatedly asked for further details of the investigation — a breakdown of the response to each allegation, whether the allegations had merit or not and on what basis.

“I have received none of these details. Just platitudes and hollow assurances.

“I also did not anticipate the whispering campaign against me. Apparently, I am vexatious, which is odd given this is the first time I have ever made a complaint.

“I genuinely believed the bravery of the players would be met by a fair process. For these reasons, I reluctantly express no confidence in Netball Australia’s response to my complaint.”

Netball Australia has been contacted for comment by ABC Sport.

The defender was one of two players at the Firebirds not offered another Super Netball contract for this season, alongside Donnell Wallam.

Both chose to move across the ditch and are about to start campaigns with the Stars and Mystics in the New Zealand Premiership this weekend.

Last month, Kamo spoke with New Zealand media outlet Marae about her desire to find a more welcoming environment.

“In 2023, the people who had spoken up weren’t contracted the following year, so it felt like if you want to stand up for yourself or your teammates, then you’re not welcome here.

“I already knew that I didn’t want to return there before they didn’t contract me and I thought, I actually have nothing to lose.

“I’ve spoken to so many people who have been through that environment, that would have liked to do that and didn’t because they wanted to get another contract.”

Netball Queensland issued a statement off the back of this, where it reiterated the investigation’s unsubstantiated findings and rejected claims Kamo made about club culture.

“We acknowledge that communication to athletes not receiving a contract is difficult to receive … The Queensland Firebirds are off to a great start to this Super Netball season. We wish Remi the best for her inaugural season at the Stars,” it said.

In its own statement, ANPA on Wednesday said it believes the wider Super Netball playing group will be hesitant to report issues in future after watching Kamo be subjected to an unfair process.

“ANPA commends Remi for the courage, care for others, and commitment to progress that she has shown by making a formal complaint to Netball Australia,” the statement read.

“Remi has taken a stand during a difficult period, and in doing so, is helping to drive important change for current and future players.

“ANPA has raised concerns with Netball Australia over a number of months regarding aspects of the investigation process. While the investigation was conducted by a third party, this in itself does not guarantee procedural fairness.

“We believe that key steps expected in a fair and thorough process may have been missed, including the investigator not confirming with Remi the specific allegations that would form the scope of the investigation, and the omission of interviews with some key witnesses named in Remi’s complaint.

“While we respect Netball Australia’s responsibility to uphold confidentiality for all participants in the investigation, the allegations themselves are known to Remi and we believe it is both possible and appropriate to provide her with a clear summary of the findings without breaching those protections.

“ANPA has formally requested an independent review of the investigation to assess whether the process met the required standards of fairness and rigour … Once the current matters are resolved, ANPA looks forward to working constructively with Netball Australia to review and strengthen its complaint-handling policies and processes.”

Kamo’s repeated efforts to speak out have been met with anger by some within the netball community, that would rather focus on the Firebirds’ current campaign and the culture transformation trying to take place under new head coach Kiri Wills.

But the defender says she aims to try and ensure the sport offers better support to the next generation of players in the Super Netball league.

“My message to the netball administrators is this: Be brave enough to have the difficult conversation about how to improve your response to complaints and about how to prevent bullying in the first place.

“Review your methods and behaviours just as the players do after every single game we play. Why? Because that’s how you improve.

“Make your investigations thorough by listening to all the people who wish to be heard and provide real protections for complainants so that it is safe for them to raise their voice.

“To my fellow players at the Firebirds and across the sport of netball, for the support you have all given me — thank you. It means a lot. More than you know.”

Another player comes forward with concerns

Kamo was thought to be the first athlete to lodge a complaint of this kind, however, a former player from a different club and state has contacted ABC Sport to raise their concerns about the current manner in which the sport deals with these matters.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, this player says they still have fears of being ostracised by their peers, years after they’ve retired.

Watching Kamo’s story unfold over the past eight months and the way she’s been branded a troublemaker has compelled them to come forward with their story in solidarity.

This athlete did play throughout the Super Netball era and said their relationship with their head coach in their final season left them feeling mentally broken.

Originally, they approached Netball Australia with allegations of bullying, before their case was passed on to the state member organisation to organise an independent investigation.

Unlike Kamo, the final report was shared with this player and ANPA.

Even though a long list of mistreatment was detailed, the complaints were also deemed to be unsubstantiated. The failure of administrators to hold the coach accountable despite their behaviour being laid out on paper left the player with little faith in her club.

Reflecting on that time, she told ABC Sport there were a lot of similarities between her experience and Kamo’s.

Although the outcome was less than desirable, the athlete said they felt positive that they were able to influence a change in policy. Now, any player complaint made against a club must be handled and investigated by Netball Australia.

They thought about escalating the matter with Sport Integrity Australia, but said they felt so worn out by the whole ordeal that they decided to move on.