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The Guardian
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Guardian
Elite netballers reveal distress after singer who pleaded guilty to domestic violence performs at grand final
Australia's elite netballers have expressed their disappointment that an artist who performed at last week's Super Netball grand final has previously pleaded guilty to domestic violence charges. Siala Robson, who appeared on The Voice in 2020, was one of three Universal Music singers selected to entertain more than 15,000 netball fans during half-time at Rod Laver Arena last Saturday. Robson appeared in court in Queensland last year and pleaded guilty to two charges of assault occasioning bodily harm in a public place while adversely affected by an intoxicating substance. No conviction was recorded and Robson was ordered to pay $1,000 in compensation and given a community service order of 60 hours. Players union the Australian Netball Players' Association [ANPA] issued a statement on Friday expressing the distress of their athletes. 'ANPA is extremely disappointed that an individual, who has previously been found guilty of domestic violence charges, was engaged to perform at one of the sport's premier events,' it said. 'This decision has caused genuine hurt among the playing group and undermines the values they stand for – particularly their strong and ongoing commitment to ending domestic violence in Australia.' Netball Australia issued a statement saying they were not aware of the offences committed by Robson before the event and the matter was only brought to their attention after the match. 'Netball Australia has a zero-tolerance position on violence and actively campaigns against domestic violence with the support of our playing group, who are deeply connected to this society-wide issue,' it said. 'With respect to the necessary checks and balances in place, we relied on the third-party agency we partnered with to supply the talent. This was not sufficient and Netball Australia will immediately strengthen its event risk management protocols to ensure this doesn't happen again.' Universal Music has been contacted for comment. ANPA said they acknowledged Netball Australia has accepted responsibility for 'this serious oversight' and appreciated the governing body's commitment to ensuring it does not happen again. Sign up to Australia Sport Get a daily roundup of the latest sports news, features and comment from our Australian sports desk after newsletter promotion 'Our players have consistently used their platform to advocate for change,' the union said. 'They wore purple armbands at every Suncorp Super Netball match last year to raise awareness of violence against women, recently produced a video reaffirming their commitment to being part of the solution, and continue to work on further initiatives aimed at making Australia safer for all.' Melbourne Vixens defeated West Coast Fever in the entertaining decider, watched by a record crowd of 15,013. The total attendance for the Super Netball season was 386,455, making it the past year's most-attended women's sporting league in Australia. In Australia, the national family violence counselling service is on 1800 737 732. In the UK, call the national domestic abuse helpline on 0808 2000 247, or visit Women's Aid. In the US, the domestic violence hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Other international helplines may be found via
ABC News
5 days ago
- Sport
- ABC News
Netball Australia says it will do better after performer who pleaded guilty to domestic violence sings at grand final
Super Netball says it will strengthen its event risk management after it was revealed a performer at last weekend's grand final had pleaded guilty to domestic violence charges. Siala Robson, a former finalist on The Voice, fronted the Redcliffe and Cleveland Magistrate's Courts in Queensland in 2024 over a series of charges relating to a 2023 incident. Robson pleaded guilty to two assaults occasioning bodily harm in a public place while adversely affected by an intoxicating substance. No conviction was recorded. Robson was ordered to pay $1,000 in compensation and given a community service order of 60 hours. During Saturday's Super Netball grand final — which was watched by a record crowd of 15,013 — Robson performed as a three-prong act put together by Universal Music. The Australian Netball Players' Association (ANPA), which has taken a strong stand against domestic violence over the past two seasons, said in a statement that the oversight had created "genuine hurt" in player circles. "This decision has caused genuine hurt among the playing group and undermines the values they stand for — particularly their strong and ongoing commitment to ending domestic violence," the statement read. "We acknowledge that Netball Australia has accepted responsibility for this serious oversight and we appreciate that it is taking steps to improve its processes to ensure such a situation does not happen again. "Our players have consistently used their platform to advocate for change … and continue to work on further initiatives aimed at making Australia safer for all." Netball Australia, which has also been strong in taking a stand against domestic violence, said it had been unaware of the charges against Robson and that greater detail would be paid to event risk management protocols in the future. "Regrettably, Netball Australia was not aware of the offence or allegations pertaining to one of the artists before the event," a spokesperson told ABC Sport. "This was brought to our attention post-performance on Saturday evening. "Netball Australia has a zero-tolerance position on violence and actively campaigns against domestic violence with the support of our playing group, who are deeply connected to this society-wide issue. "With respect to the necessary checks and balances in place, we relied on the third-party agency we partnered with to supply the talent. "This was not sufficient and Netball Australia will immediately strengthen its event risk management protocols to ensure this doesn't happen again." In 2024, athletes from each of the eight Super Netball clubs wore purple armbands during matches from round five onwards to "shine a light on the national crisis" of domestic violence. ANPA delegates also released a social media video this season discussing why they thought domestic and family violence were the most urgent social issues facing Australian women. Earlier this year, Diamonds goal shooter Cara Koenen went public with her personal experience as a victim of sexual assault in an effort to speak out against the wider issue of violence against women. "I had an experience that really rocked my whole world, to be honest," Koenen told ABC Sport. "We hear so much about how our actions lead to these violent acts … that rhetoric that there's something you've done wrong that led to the abuse. "That was something I really grappled with. "It became all-consuming in all parts of my life … I couldn't escape it." "My confidence on court was deteriorating and training and playing were no longer an escape or a place I could use to distract myself."
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Money worries top Super Netball player concerns: survey
Australia's leading netballers are most worried about financial security and fair pay - and most don't feel comfortable about raising issues with governing body Netball Australia. The first anonymous player survey conducted by the Australian Netball Players' Association considered Super Netballers' thoughts on issues such as fertility, career transition, mental health and workload balance, as well as money. Under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, minimum salaries will rise to $46,600 and the average salary to $86,500 by 2026. By comparison, AFLW players' average salary will increase to $82,000 by the end of 2027. But the minimum salary for AFLW players has risen this year to $67,337, which is a large leap from netball. According to the survey, which asked players to rank their key challenges, 69 per cent listed financial security as No.1, with a number of players requiring additional external employment. "This remains the most pressing concern, reflecting ongoing issues around salary equity, job stability, cost of living pressures, and the need for supplementary income through work outside netball," the ANPA survey stated. More than half of the players surveyed (56 per cent) stated scheduling and workload balance as their second biggest challenge - attempting to balance training, travel and games with work, study and a personal life. The other top two challenges were career transition support post netball (47 per cent), and mental health and well-being (25 per cent). "While fewer players listed this as a key challenge compared to other categories, it still reflects that one in four athletes experience wellbeing difficulties significant enough to impact performance or life satisfaction," the survey posits. The survey also showed that 56 per cent of players accessed mental health support services in the past year. While almost all players are comfortable raising concerns with their teammates or the ANPA, only 12 per cent said they were with Netball Australia (NA). The governing body was accused earlier this year of mishandling a complaint against the Queensland Firebirds by former player Remi Kamo. Kamo became the first Super Netball player to lodge an official complaint, accusing the club of bullying, gaslighting and an "unsafe environment" before her departure in mid-2024. After a seven-month independent review, NA announced in March that Kamo's allegations "were not substantiated". However Kamo was backed by the union, which claimed "key steps expected in a fair and thorough process may have been missed". The survey also questioned players about reproductive health with 28 per cent reporting "anxiety", while 89 per cent would participate in a free fertility check. "This demonstrates a high level of interest in reproductive health support and suggests that access to services like fertility testing could empower players with valuable information about their future options," the ANPA wrote. The players' body said the results would guide targeted support strategies across the sport.
The Advertiser
24-06-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Money worries top Super Netball player concerns: survey
Australia's leading netballers are most worried about financial security and fair pay - and most don't feel comfortable about raising issues with governing body Netball Australia. The first anonymous player survey conducted by the Australian Netball Players' Association considered Super Netballers' thoughts on issues such as fertility, career transition, mental health and workload balance, as well as money. Under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, minimum salaries will rise to $46,600 and the average salary to $86,500 by 2026. By comparison, AFLW players' average salary will increase to $82,000 by the end of 2027. But the minimum salary for AFLW players has risen this year to $67,337, which is a large leap from netball. According to the survey, which asked players to rank their key challenges, 69 per cent listed financial security as No.1, with a number of players requiring additional external employment. "This remains the most pressing concern, reflecting ongoing issues around salary equity, job stability, cost of living pressures, and the need for supplementary income through work outside netball," the ANPA survey stated. More than half of the players surveyed (56 per cent) stated scheduling and workload balance as their second biggest challenge - attempting to balance training, travel and games with work, study and a personal life. The other top two challenges were career transition support post netball (47 per cent), and mental health and well-being (25 per cent). "While fewer players listed this as a key challenge compared to other categories, it still reflects that one in four athletes experience wellbeing difficulties significant enough to impact performance or life satisfaction," the survey posits. The survey also showed that 56 per cent of players accessed mental health support services in the past year. While almost all players are comfortable raising concerns with their teammates or the ANPA, only 12 per cent said they were with Netball Australia (NA). The governing body was accused earlier this year of mishandling a complaint against the Queensland Firebirds by former player Remi Kamo. Kamo became the first Super Netball player to lodge an official complaint, accusing the club of bullying, gaslighting and an "unsafe environment" before her departure in mid-2024. After a seven-month independent review, NA announced in March that Kamo's allegations "were not substantiated". However Kamo was backed by the union, which claimed "key steps expected in a fair and thorough process may have been missed". The survey also questioned players about reproductive health with 28 per cent reporting "anxiety", while 89 per cent would participate in a free fertility check. "This demonstrates a high level of interest in reproductive health support and suggests that access to services like fertility testing could empower players with valuable information about their future options," the ANPA wrote. The players' body said the results would guide targeted support strategies across the sport. Australia's leading netballers are most worried about financial security and fair pay - and most don't feel comfortable about raising issues with governing body Netball Australia. The first anonymous player survey conducted by the Australian Netball Players' Association considered Super Netballers' thoughts on issues such as fertility, career transition, mental health and workload balance, as well as money. Under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, minimum salaries will rise to $46,600 and the average salary to $86,500 by 2026. By comparison, AFLW players' average salary will increase to $82,000 by the end of 2027. But the minimum salary for AFLW players has risen this year to $67,337, which is a large leap from netball. According to the survey, which asked players to rank their key challenges, 69 per cent listed financial security as No.1, with a number of players requiring additional external employment. "This remains the most pressing concern, reflecting ongoing issues around salary equity, job stability, cost of living pressures, and the need for supplementary income through work outside netball," the ANPA survey stated. More than half of the players surveyed (56 per cent) stated scheduling and workload balance as their second biggest challenge - attempting to balance training, travel and games with work, study and a personal life. The other top two challenges were career transition support post netball (47 per cent), and mental health and well-being (25 per cent). "While fewer players listed this as a key challenge compared to other categories, it still reflects that one in four athletes experience wellbeing difficulties significant enough to impact performance or life satisfaction," the survey posits. The survey also showed that 56 per cent of players accessed mental health support services in the past year. While almost all players are comfortable raising concerns with their teammates or the ANPA, only 12 per cent said they were with Netball Australia (NA). The governing body was accused earlier this year of mishandling a complaint against the Queensland Firebirds by former player Remi Kamo. Kamo became the first Super Netball player to lodge an official complaint, accusing the club of bullying, gaslighting and an "unsafe environment" before her departure in mid-2024. After a seven-month independent review, NA announced in March that Kamo's allegations "were not substantiated". However Kamo was backed by the union, which claimed "key steps expected in a fair and thorough process may have been missed". The survey also questioned players about reproductive health with 28 per cent reporting "anxiety", while 89 per cent would participate in a free fertility check. "This demonstrates a high level of interest in reproductive health support and suggests that access to services like fertility testing could empower players with valuable information about their future options," the ANPA wrote. The players' body said the results would guide targeted support strategies across the sport. Australia's leading netballers are most worried about financial security and fair pay - and most don't feel comfortable about raising issues with governing body Netball Australia. The first anonymous player survey conducted by the Australian Netball Players' Association considered Super Netballers' thoughts on issues such as fertility, career transition, mental health and workload balance, as well as money. Under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, minimum salaries will rise to $46,600 and the average salary to $86,500 by 2026. By comparison, AFLW players' average salary will increase to $82,000 by the end of 2027. But the minimum salary for AFLW players has risen this year to $67,337, which is a large leap from netball. According to the survey, which asked players to rank their key challenges, 69 per cent listed financial security as No.1, with a number of players requiring additional external employment. "This remains the most pressing concern, reflecting ongoing issues around salary equity, job stability, cost of living pressures, and the need for supplementary income through work outside netball," the ANPA survey stated. More than half of the players surveyed (56 per cent) stated scheduling and workload balance as their second biggest challenge - attempting to balance training, travel and games with work, study and a personal life. The other top two challenges were career transition support post netball (47 per cent), and mental health and well-being (25 per cent). "While fewer players listed this as a key challenge compared to other categories, it still reflects that one in four athletes experience wellbeing difficulties significant enough to impact performance or life satisfaction," the survey posits. The survey also showed that 56 per cent of players accessed mental health support services in the past year. While almost all players are comfortable raising concerns with their teammates or the ANPA, only 12 per cent said they were with Netball Australia (NA). The governing body was accused earlier this year of mishandling a complaint against the Queensland Firebirds by former player Remi Kamo. Kamo became the first Super Netball player to lodge an official complaint, accusing the club of bullying, gaslighting and an "unsafe environment" before her departure in mid-2024. After a seven-month independent review, NA announced in March that Kamo's allegations "were not substantiated". However Kamo was backed by the union, which claimed "key steps expected in a fair and thorough process may have been missed". The survey also questioned players about reproductive health with 28 per cent reporting "anxiety", while 89 per cent would participate in a free fertility check. "This demonstrates a high level of interest in reproductive health support and suggests that access to services like fertility testing could empower players with valuable information about their future options," the ANPA wrote. The players' body said the results would guide targeted support strategies across the sport.
Perth Now
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Money worries top Super Netball player concerns: survey
Australia's leading netballers are most worried about financial security and fair pay - and most don't feel comfortable about raising issues with governing body Netball Australia. The first anonymous player survey conducted by the Australian Netball Players' Association considered Super Netballers' thoughts on issues such as fertility, career transition, mental health and workload balance, as well as money. Under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, minimum salaries will rise to $46,600 and the average salary to $86,500 by 2026. By comparison, AFLW players' average salary will increase to $82,000 by the end of 2027. But the minimum salary for AFLW players has risen this year to $67,337, which is a large leap from netball. According to the survey, which asked players to rank their key challenges, 69 per cent listed financial security as No.1, with a number of players requiring additional external employment. "This remains the most pressing concern, reflecting ongoing issues around salary equity, job stability, cost of living pressures, and the need for supplementary income through work outside netball," the ANPA survey stated. More than half of the players surveyed (56 per cent) stated scheduling and workload balance as their second biggest challenge - attempting to balance training, travel and games with work, study and a personal life. The other top two challenges were career transition support post netball (47 per cent), and mental health and well-being (25 per cent). "While fewer players listed this as a key challenge compared to other categories, it still reflects that one in four athletes experience wellbeing difficulties significant enough to impact performance or life satisfaction," the survey posits. The survey also showed that 56 per cent of players accessed mental health support services in the past year. While almost all players are comfortable raising concerns with their teammates or the ANPA, only 12 per cent said they were with Netball Australia (NA). The governing body was accused earlier this year of mishandling a complaint against the Queensland Firebirds by former player Remi Kamo. Kamo became the first Super Netball player to lodge an official complaint, accusing the club of bullying, gaslighting and an "unsafe environment" before her departure in mid-2024. After a seven-month independent review, NA announced in March that Kamo's allegations "were not substantiated". However Kamo was backed by the union, which claimed "key steps expected in a fair and thorough process may have been missed". The survey also questioned players about reproductive health with 28 per cent reporting "anxiety", while 89 per cent would participate in a free fertility check. "This demonstrates a high level of interest in reproductive health support and suggests that access to services like fertility testing could empower players with valuable information about their future options," the ANPA wrote. The players' body said the results would guide targeted support strategies across the sport.
