Commentary courtesy of Liam Bartlett and 6PR.
The CEO of Netball WA says it’s not clear the Australian Diamonds “understand … the collateral damage that’s going to be done” to netball as a result of Hancock Prospecting pulling $15 million in funding.
Gina Rinehart’s mining company withdrew the money after the players’ association backed Indigenous player Donnell Wallam who flagged issues with the company’s record on Indigenous matters dating back to offensive comments made by Lang Hancock 40 years ago.
Roy Hill, which is 70 per cent owned by Hancock Prospecting and funds the majority of WA Netball, has also cut its financial support.
Netball WA CEO, Simone Hansen told 6PR Mornings host Liam Bartlett she is disappointed about how the whole situation has played out.
“I think the concern was ‘Will this happen again?’ even if it wasn’t from our playing group, would there be discontent … around who owns Roy Hill,” she said.
“Mining is fundamental to our economy, it’s fundamental to our sports.
“I want to be clear, this does not feed down to Netball WA and West Coast Fever.”
