Disgraceful Conduct: Former Firebird Remi Kamo Claims Netball Australia Supports ‘Silencing Culture’ as Club Investigation Concludes

Former Firebirds defender Remi Kamo has slammed Netball Australia, accusing the governing body of being “complicit” in the purportedly “toxic” culture at the Queensland club, following the closure of their investigation into the allegations.

Kamo was the first player to register a formal complaint in the Super Netball league, alleging gaslighting and other harmful behaviours within the Firebirds before her departure from the club last July.

After a comprehensive seven-month inquiry, Netball Australia announced on Tuesday that its independent investigation had concluded, stating that “no further action will be taken” as Kamo’s allegations and those of others “were not substantiated”.

Kamo expressed her dissatisfaction with the findings in an Instagram story on Wednesday, claiming the investigation had validated her concerns while also downplaying the severity of her allegations against the Firebirds.

“This outcome highlights why I felt compelled to make a complaint in the first place,” she wrote, sharing a post on social media.

“There’s a culture of silencing women in Australian sport; if you express opinions or show diversity and courage, you’re labelled a ‘troublemaker’ while those who benefit from this silence remain in positions of power. Shame on you, Netball Australia, for your complicity when you verbally acknowledged the environment was ‘toxic’.

“Well done on upholding ‘policies’ that fail to protect your employees or ensure the safety of our sport.”

Support for Kamo’s allegations came from former Firebird Donnell Wallam, who also left the team at the end of the previous season.

“I’m honoured to stand in solidarity with Remi Kamo,” Wallam stated in an Instagram story on Wednesday.

“You have demonstrated courage and strength that many only aspire to. We know the truth, and we will recover and move forward.

“They know the truth, and that’s something they must live with.”

Netball Queensland and Georgia Black, the former head of performance for the Queensland Firebirds, also took to social media to express support for Kamo.

The Firebirds’ season was marked by significant struggles both on and off the court.

With the start of the 2024 season approaching, assistant coach Sara Francis-Bayman left unexpectedly, followed by the dismissal of head coach Bec Bulley less than halfway through her debut season.

Just after Bulley’s exit, assistant and interim coach Lauren Brown also resigned from her position.

Neither Kamo nor Wallam were offered contracts for the 2025 season at the Firebirds, and both players have since signed with the New Zealand Premiership.

The Australian Netball Players’ Association has requested a copy of the findings from Netball Australia before considering the matter resolved.