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Netball Australia Will Not Decline Sponsorship Deal From Gina Rinehart's Giant Hancock Prospecting

Netball Australia will not be turning its back on a multi-million dollar sponsorship deal from mining giant Hancock Prospecting despite the ructions it has caused within the sport.

The cash-strapped organisation on Tuesday issued a statement reinforcing its support for the partnership, saying the four-year deal with billionaire Gina Rinehart's company, worth $15 million, underpins the Diamonds program.

The Australian team, which won Commonwealth Games gold this year, will compete in the World Cup in South Africa in 2023.

The sports body has suffered losses of more than $7 million over two COVID-impacted years, with the Rinehart deal offering a lifeline.

Under the sponsorship, players were expected to wear uniforms bearing the logo of the mining company during the current Constellation Cup series against New Zealand.

However Netball Australia (NA) said in its statement it had been decided it was not in the "best interests" of the players to wear the dress as it could prove a distraction, and this was supported by the sponsor.

Former skipper Sharni Norder said on Monday the dress issue related to the upcoming home series against England starting on October 26, at which Indigenous goal shooter Donnell Wallam is set to make her Diamonds debut.

Wallam has reportedly raised concerns over Hancock Prospecting's record on Indigenous matters, which date back 40 years to extreme right-wing comments made by Rinehart's late father Lang Hancock.

Amidst the upheaval, the chair of NA, Marina Go, on Monday announced she was stepping down. She said her decision to depart was part of a planned transition, and made before the sponsorship saga.

Incoming chair Wendy Archer said it was a priority to address and resolve individual player concerns about the partnership as soon as possible.

"Netball Australia has continually attempted to understand, support and work on a long-term solution to this matter which at this time remains unresolved," Archer said in the statement.

"Hancock Prospecting met with the Origin Australian Diamonds leadership group the day after the concerns were raised to extend its support and commitment to Netball Australia and to share experiences, understand perspectives and support these cultural sensitivities through the partnership.

"We will facilitate a face-to-face meeting with Hancock Prospecting and the broader playing group in the coming days."

Archer said the players, represented by the Australian Netball Players Association, had been supportive throughout the process.

Diamonds skipper Liz Watson will front the media on Tuesday morning ahead of their third Test against the Silver Ferns in Melbourne on Wednesday night.

After two losses in New Zealand they will play their first home Tests since 2019, with a sold-out match on the Gold Coast on Sunday to close out the series.

The Diamonds need two strong wins to claim back the trophy.