Despite boasting similar participation rates to Australian rules football, netball receives far less government support. Liz Ellis says that must change as Netball Australia prepares to host a 2027 World Cup and push its case for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
Built from the ground up by women, for women, it is the only code in Australia that doesn't need to add a W to its name.
An overall attendance of 366,222 made Super Netball the most attended season across all codes in the history of Australian women's sport."At the end of the day, the result is a reflection of the product we've got and the players who put on a great show every single week," Netball Australia chair Liz Ellis told ABC Sport.
There's also the $600 million expected to be invested by the Anthony Albanese government over the next 10 years to launch an NRL Papua New Guinea team. Netball Australia received roughly $8 million in federal funding last year. Part of this was from DFAT to put towards the Pacific Aus Sports series that includes teams like Papua New Guinea.
The news came amidst a drawn-out pay dispute with Super Netball players and the sport's negative coverage, as well as the strained relationship between its leadership and the government was reportedly another issue. "Netball has supporters right across the political spectrum and I think there's a real appreciation for the value of our sport and what we deliver to the community.
The message behind the government's decision to hold its funding back was received loud and clear, and the sport has bounced back with great success this season. When Albanese was recently asked by the ABC which sport he'd back to be added to the Olympics, he suggested Aussie rules – despite it largely only being played in our country.
"Every dollar we put into sport helps lower the health budget because people getting out there on the netball courts, on the athletics track, in the swimming pools and on the footy fields is a good thing," Albanese told Sky News as the country welcomed its Olympians home.It's likely the majority of Australians would agree with that statement.Ellis believes netball needs to advocate for itself moving forward.
Funding Government Netball Aussie Diamonds
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Superstar down! Tbirds shake off injury scare days out from netball GFSuper Netball: The Adelaide Thunderbirds are vowing not to get distracted despite being favourites to take out the Super Netball final.
Read more »
Australian chef Maggie Beer in hospital after fall at South Australian homeIn a statement on social media on Sunday night, her family said she suffered minor bone fractures and related injuries.
Read more »
Paris Olympics: Australian hockey player arrested in Paris allegedly trying to buy cocaineAn Australian hockey player has been arrested in Paris, the Australian Olympic Committee has confirmed.
Read more »
Regional airline Rex suspends trading on the ASX pending upcoming announcementRegional Australian airline Rex suspends trading on the Australian stock market pending an upcoming 'material announcement'.
Read more »
Diamonds star heads to NZ only days after missing out on Super Netball dealNetball: The Sydney Swifts have signed New Zealand international goal shooter Grace Nweke.
Read more »
Put NFL, netball and Oztag in a blender, and you get this new Olympic sportFlag football is set to make its Olympic debut in Los Angeles in 2028, and the Australian teams have already started their campaign to get there.
Read more »