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he Federal government revealed earlier in the week Fox Sports would receive an extra $10 million to broadcast more women’s, under-represented and niche sports.

This decision was met with criticism from the shadow minister for communications, Michelle Rowland, who told Mumbrella there is no transparency surrounding the deal and “serious questions” remain.

“Australia’s sportswomen deserve better. Young girls can’t be what they can’t see,” Rowland said, discussing the Morrison Government grant, now totalling $40 million over six years for Fox Sports, a pay-TV broadcaster.

“At a time when Australia is in recession, many households are facing unemployment and money is tight, $10 million would go a long way to supporting sports coverage to which all Australians can see for free.

“It would also go a long way to delivering many of the female change room projects recommended by Sport Australia but rejected by the Morrison Government under its now infamous sports rorts scandal.

“Today’s announcement just proves this government will always put political gain before real support for women and girls in sport,” she said.

Minister for communications, cyber safety and the arts, Paul Fletcher, said the funding will allow Fox Sports to extend its broadcasting for under-represented sports over the next two years.

“With six dedicated sports channels and a wide range of sports news, Fox Sports has a strong commitment to broadcasting sports and events that may not otherwise receive television coverage,” Fletcher said.

Foxtel chief executive, Patrick Delany, added the grant was deserved as Foxtel is the only broadcaster capable of providing the needed level of coverage of under-represented sports.

“With eight 24-hour Fox Sports channels, our Kayo Sports streaming service and Foxsports.com.au, we are uniquely placed to deliver on the policy objectives of the funding,” Delany said.

“Only Foxtel has the production capability, channel capacity and OTT and digital platforms to provide thousands of hours of coverage of women’s and under-represented sports,” he said.