'Shame on you': Ex-Firebird Remi Kamo accuses Netball Australia of aiding 'silencing culture' as investigation into club closed
Former Firebird defender Remi Kamo has accused Netball Australia of being "complicit" in the alleged "toxic" environment at the Queensland club after the governing body's investigation into the matter was closed.
Kamo was the first athlete to lodge a formal player complaint in the Super Netball competition after accusing the Firebirds of gaslighting and other toxic behaviour before exiting the club last July.
After a seven-month review into the matter, Netball Australia completed its independent investigation on Tuesday, announcing that "no further action to be taken" as the allegations made by Kamo and others behind the scenes "were not substantiated".
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Remi Kamo has responded to Netball Australia's decision to close its investigation into the Queensland Firebirds. Getty/ Instagram
In an Instagram story posted to her account on Wednesday, Kamo voiced her disappointment in the outcome and claimed that during the process her allegations against the Firebirds were verbally agreed with.
"The way this played out is exactly why I made a complaint in the first place," she captioned a re-shared social media post.
"There is a silencing culture (of women- shock horror) in this sport in Australia where if you have any opinions, diversity, courage – then you are othered – a 'troublemaker' while the people benefiting from the silence stay in their positions of power and control the narrative. Shame on you, Netball Australia, for being complicit despite verbally confirming to me that the environment was 'toxic'.
"Good on you for upholding 'policies' that don't protect your employees or the safety of our sport."
Fellow ex-Firebird Donnell Wallam — who also departed the club at the end of last season — supported Kamo's claims.
"So proud to stand in solidarity with Remi Kamo," Wallam wrote in an Instagram story on Wednesday.
"You stood up with strength, courage and resilience some can only dream of. We know the truth, and we will heal and move on.
"They know the truth and that's what they have to live with."
Remi Kamo reshared Donnell Wallam's story to her personal Instagram account. @donnell.wallam via Instagram
A similar post backing Kamo was also shared by Netball Queensland and the Queensland Firebirds' former head of performance, Georgia Black.
The team endured a tumultuous year headlined by poor form and off-court issues.
Just days before the 2024 season, assistant coach Sara Francis-Bayman abruptly left before head coach Bec Bulley was axed less than halfway through her rookie season.
One match after Bulley's dismissal, assistant coach and acting interim coach Lauren Brown stepped down from her role with the team.
Wallam and Kamo were not offered a contract at the Firebirds for 2025. Both players have moved across to the New Zealand Premiership this season.
The Australian Netball Players' Association has requested a copy of Netball Australia's findings before considering the matter dealt with.
