World Cup players ‘held to ransom’ over dispute

The players’ decision not to sign a new collective bargaining agreement has subsequently stalled the naming of the World Cup squad.

Netball Australia says it cannot afford the players’ demands but has offered an “upside provision” if the sport overachieves on its metrics in the next three years.

Speaking on SEN 1116, former Diamonds coach Lisa Alexander sympathised with players who she said are being “held to ransom” over the issue but Netball Australia said it is within its rights to withhold the naming of the squad until player contracts are signed.

The players’ association said it wants Netball Australia to remove the national team’s World Cup plans from negotiations.

In a statement, the ANPA said players had reacted with “confusion, sadness and anger”.

“The players unanimously agreed to invite NA (Netball Australia) to decouple national selection from industrial negotiations; and, in the name of wellbeing, advise all players who has been selected for the Diamonds 2023 World Cup squad,” the ANPA wrote.

“The players make these requests to preserve the sanctity of the Australian uniform, to support the wellbeing of players and in support of good faith negotiations and not bad faith negotiations.”

Netball Australia chief executive Kelly Ryan said the organisation is yet to receive a response from the ANPA after its offer last month.

“We are understanding of the impact this has on the players and I spoke to them all on Monday night to reassure them everyone is working to finalise negotiations,” Ryan said.

“We are fully invested in doing all we can to support the players now and through the 2023 Netball World Cup – a significant moment for all who represent their country.

“Netball Australia must uphold good governance standards and cannot commit to selecting players or announcing a squad before contracts are signed.”

Netball Australia claims it has been in negotiations with the players’ association for a year but the ANPA has denied that assertion.

The ANPA said negotiations have only spanned a few weeks.

The Netball World Cup is set to get underway on July 28 in South Africa.

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