Minister for Sport Mark Arbib yesterday congratulated the members of the Australia Diamonds netball team on their selection for the 2011 World Netball Championships in Singapore.

Senator Arbib was joined by Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s partner Tim Mathieson, as the Diamonds team was announced at the Lodge.

'It’s very pleasing to be able to see these great athletes rewarded for all their hard work, determination and effort,' Senator Arbib said.

'I’m confident this Australian Netball Diamonds team will taste even more success, and make us all proud when defending their 2007 World Championship gold medal in Singapore in July.'

Senator Arbib congratulated Natalie von Bertouch on being selected to captain the Diamonds after Sharelle McMahon was ruled out due to injury.

'I’m sure Natalie will do a terrific job in leading the Australian Diamonds to a record 10th gold medal at the World Championships,' Senator Arbib said.

'Supported by the next wave of Australian stars like Queensland Firebirds champions Laura Geitz and Natalie Medhurst, Australian netball is in good hands.

'More than two million people tuned in to watch the Commonwealth Games final between Australia and New Zealand, so I’m sure there will be huge interest in and support for the Diamonds’ campaign in Singapore.'

The Diamonds team is: Natalie von Bertouch (captain), Catherine Cox (vice-captain), Caitlin Bassett, Chelsea Pitman, Erin Bell, Julie Corletto, Kimberlee Green, Laura Geitz, Mo’onia Gerrard, Natalie Medhurst, Sharni Layton and Susan Fuhrmann.

Senator Arbib said the Government was a strong supporter of netball at both the high performance level, and through encouraging more young netballers to participate at the grassroots level.

'The Australian Government is committed to supporting our elite netballers and has committed $1.4 million to help our best players train and perform at the highest level.

'The Government also boosted participation funding to netball with $700,000 in new funding for Netball Australia to ensure we get more players involved in the game.

'Netball is one of the biggest participation sports for girls and young women with about 225,000 Australian girls participating in the sport in 2009.'

In total the Australian Government provides almost $4 million in annual funding to Netball Australia.