Gina Rinehart beats Netball Australia in crushing takedown after scrapping $15m in sponsorship
Gina Rinehart has accused Netball Australia of signaling virtue after its players questioned their sponsorship deal over offensive comments made by their late father.
Her mining company, Hancock Prospecting, released the devastating dismantling as it announced it was withdrawing its $15 million sponsorship deal.
It came after the Diamonds national netball team raised concerns about offensive comments made by Lang Hancock about Aboriginal people in 1984.
Indigenous player Donnell Wallam had reportedly requested an exception to wearing the sponsor’s logo on the team jersey, with her teammates supporting her decision.
Gina Rinehart has accused Netball Australia of signaling virtue after its players questioned their sponsorship deal over offensive comments made by their late father
Indigenous player Donnell Wallam had reportedly requested an exception to wearing the sponsor’s logo on the team jersey, with her teammates supporting her decision
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“Hancock and his CEO, Ms. Rinehart, believe it is unnecessary for sports organizations to be used as a vehicle for social or political gain,” Hancock Prospecting said in a statement.
“First, because sport is at its best when it’s focused on good and fair competition, with dedicated athletes striving for excellence to achieve their sporting dreams and represent our country at its best.”
“Second, because there are more purposeful and authentic ways to advance social or political causes without making virtuous claims or making oneself known.”
Hancock Prospecting clarified that it had not insisted that the logo be worn on sports shirts and said it had contributed to indigenous communities.
“For example, the meaningful engagement with local Indigenous communities being undertaken by Hancock’s Roy Hill Community Foundation in Western Australia to support their real needs,” the statement said.
“Third, because there are more powerful ways to make a positive difference.
Gina Rinehart (right) is pictured with her father, Lang Hancock, who founded Hancock Prospecting. His comments from a 1984 interview angered members of the Diamonds team
“For example, Hancock’s holistic support for real programs, including Hanrine Futures, that provide Indigenous students with a real path through education and employment, where they are guaranteed a job at the end of their education if they so choose.”
Offensive comment
In a 1984 television interview, Mr Hancock made a shocking statement about Indigenous Australians.
“Those who don’t do themselves any good and can’t accept things, the half-breeds — and here comes the biggest trouble,” Hancock said in the 1984 documentary Couldn’t Be Fairer.
“I would dose the water high enough that they would be sterile and self-replicating in the future and that would solve the problem.”
Mr Hancock died in 1992 aged 82 and said Indigenous Australians who had been “assimilated” should be left alone.
“Those who have been assimilated, you know, earn a living or earn wages in the civilized areas,” he said.
“Those who have been accepted into society and who have accepted society and can deal with society, I would leave them alone.”
Ms Rinehart has received support for tearing up the sponsorship deal with Nationals MP Matt Canavan and Aboriginal leader Nyunggai Warren Mundine, who have backed her.
“Good for Gina she left netball,” Mr. Canavan tweeted.
“Why would she support them if they wouldn’t wear their logo? A national hero, Gina uses her hard-earned wealth to support many charitable causes.
“I’m sure she will find other, more grateful Aussies to help her.”
Mr Mundine added: “No wonder the Netball Federation went bust.”
The $15m deal appeared to be a lifeline after Netball Australia suffered losses of more than $7m in two Covid-hit years.
Netball Australia chief executive Kelly Ryan admitted she was “quite concerned” about the financial stability of the sport.
“But at the same time we have been incredibly transparent with the financial health of our sport throughout the year and have suffered many losses in recent years due to Covid,” she told Today on Sunday.
“We are certainly aware of where our sport has been positioned. We’ve done a lot of work throughout the year to ensure we can properly size this ship.
“It is very disappointing to lose this funding which should really help us move faster and put us in a much stronger position.”
Hancock Prospecting said in a statement Saturday that the $15 million went a long way in providing players with the support they need.
“Hancock’s proposed sponsorship would have allowed for a generous salary increase for the players, which would otherwise not have been possible given Netball’s financial position,” the statement said.
The company has agreed to provide short-term funding for the team until another sponsorship can be secured.
Ms Rinehart has received support for tearing up the sponsorship deal with Nationals MP Matt Canavan and Aboriginal leader Nyunggai Warren Mundine, who have backed her
Hancock Prospecting clarified that it had not insisted that the logo be worn on sports shirts and said it had contributed to indigenous communities
“Hancock and Roy Hill have advised Netball Australia and Netball WA, respectively, that they will instead provide a four-month sponsorship should they and their players wish to accept it, to continue funding the athletes and to assist Netball in arranging alternative funding and sponsorships” , was the explanation.
In a statement shared on Twitter by Australian Netball Players’ Association defender and president Jo Weston, the Diamonds said they support Wallam.
“Reports of an environmental protest by players and a split within the gaming group are false,” the statement said.
“The only concern of the players was to support our only indigenous team member.
“We are fully committed to the legacy of the Diamonds’ Sisters in Arms and the values they represent, along with the Australian Netball Statement of Commitment.”
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11344591/Gina-Rinehart-slams-Netball-Australia-scathing-takedown-15million-sponsorship-scrapped.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 Gina Rinehart beats Netball Australia in crushing takedown after scrapping $15m in sponsorship
