- Donnell Wallam has shown her support for the Yes vote
- The netballer was at the center of a $15 million sponsorship dispute
- Wallam joined other sports stars in supporting the campaign
The netball star at the center of the $15 million sponsorship row with Gina Rinehart has shown her support for a “Yes” vote ahead of Saturday’s “Voice for Parliament” referendum.
Donnell Wallam, 29, sparked a firestorm last year when it was revealed she was uncomfortable wearing a Diamonds shirt with the Hancock Prospecting logo on it over racist comments made by Ms Rinehart’s father, Lang Hancock, nearly four decades ago.
Her teammates backed her call for a boycott and the backlash led to Ms Rinehart, 69, pulling out of the $15 million deal, sparking a financial crisis for Netball Australia.
And now Wallam, who went on to score the winning goal on debut against England, has voiced her support for the Yes vote, joining Nathan Cleary, Darcy Moore and Nicho Hynes in backing the campaign.
Donnell Wallam (L) was at the center of a $15 million sponsorship dispute with Gina Rinehart (R)
Wallam refused to wear a jersey with Rinehart’s company logo last year
The Voice Referendum aims to recognize Indigenous Australians in the Constitution, creating an advisory body to get their input on policy.
According to Anthony Albanese’s government, a Yes vote would recognize heritage, promote inclusivity, tackle inequalities and promote reconciliation.
Wallam posted on Instagram: “I’ve held back on sharing my stance on voice, purely and selfishly to protect my mental health from the racist comments I’m now exposed to, but I strongly believe I should use my platform to represent them.
The 29-year-old revealed she is backing a Yes vote for Saturday’s referendum
“I will vote “Yes”.
‘Yes, to get to know each other.
‘Yes to be involved.
‘Yes to be heard.
“Yes to be seen beyond my sports skills.
“Yes to a better future for our crowd.”
Premier League-winning captain Moore hit back at critics who tell athletes to keep their views to themselves.
“Athletes are human beings and citizens of the country as well, so they can exercise their right and say what they want to say,” he said.
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