Call for show of support for New Tel Perth Orioles

27/6/02
Sport and Recreation Minister Alan Carpenter says he is appalled at the prospect of Western Australia's State Netball Team, the New Tel Perth Orioles, being dropped from the national netball competition.
"Netball's governing body in this State, WA Netball, has been instructed by Netball Australia to make a submission outlining why it should remain in the national competition," Mr Carpenter said.
"I would have thought the answer was simple . if WA's not involved, it is not a national competition," he said.
"But it seems such logic might not be enough.
"Despite the fact that New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia each have two teams in the competition, WA has still been given a 'please explain' note."
Mr Carpenter said he would write to Netball Australia to show that the Orioles had the full support of the State Government.
"But this campaign needs more than Government support, it needs the people of WA to make themselves heard," he said.
The Minister said WA Netball was distributing petitions across the State, and he urged all netball followers and supporters to make sure their names were on the list.
"I believe we have a compelling case for the Orioles to remain in the competition," he said.
"The Orioles provide leadership for the sport in this State, and a position on the team is something to aspire to.
"They attract the biggest audiences across Australia, despite disappointing on-field performances, and they are one of only four teams in the national competition to have an ongoing sponsor.
"But more important than any of that, netball is a huge sport in WA, and always has been. For the national body to even contemplate dropping this State from the competition is unthinkable."
Minister's office: 9213 6800