Netball Australia stands by Hancock Prospecting sponsorship despite player backlash

Netball Australia, which was lost more than $7m over the last two years, will not turn its back on Gina Rinehart’s mining company Hancock Prospecting. Photograph: Aaron Gillions/AAP

Netball Australia has said it is an “absolute priority” to address and resolve any concerns raised by Diamonds player Donnell Wallam amid opposition to a new sponsorship partnership with Hancock Prospecting.

But the cash-strapped organisation will not turn its back on Gina Rinehart’s mining company, and on Tuesday reinforced its support for the multimillion-dollar deal announced last month.