By Martin Cole-
Australian border officials are examining Novak Djokovic’s travel entry form to see whether it included a false declaration, according to Australian media.
Social media posts appear to show the tennis Ace in both Serbia and Spain during that fortnight, but. Djokovic told border officials that Tennis Australia completed the Australian Travel Declaration on his behalf, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.
The Australian government would be expected to take any errors of fact not created by the player into account, and not be seen to have an ulterior motive in their objectives.
Djokovic’s visa was revoked on arrival in Melbourne last week , but reinstated by a judge on Monday who concluded that the Australian government did not handle the world No 1 tennis player fairly and legally.
He was originally detained after attempting to enter Australia without a vaccination or a valid reason for exemption, but he produced evidence he had contracted the virus and recovered in December, consistence with the criteria.
The Federal Circuit Court reinstated Djokovic’s visa after ruling that ABF officials had not given him enough time to respond at Melbourne Airport. This constituted an unfair process, the judge said.
Australia’s immigration minister has expressed its powers to re-cancel the visa and deport the unvaccinated player, but would undermine the integrity of its legal system if it does so without honourable grounds.
The minister is basing this on an Act which allows him to deport anyone he deems a potential risk to “the health, safety or good order of the Australian community”.
Nonetheless, the exercise of such powers would appear to be an abuse of process and present the Australian government as being defiant against the court ruling.
Djokovic – who is hoping to defend his Australian Open title next week – has not commented on the latest reports.
Djokovic told border officials that Tennis Australia completed the Australian Travel Declaration on his behalf, the Sydney Morning Herald reported. It is not clear whether this would help him in the event it is challenged.
After being released from detention on Monday, Djokovic posted a photo of himself and his team – including coach Goran Ivanisevic – on court at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne. This year’s tournament begins on 17 January and if Djokovic wins, he will become the most successful player in history.
The men’s professional tennis tour has called for more clarity of the rules to enter Australia and urged players to get vaccinated.
“The series of events leading to Monday’s court hearing have been damaging on all fronts, including for Novak’s well-being and preparation for the Australian Open,” the ATP said.
An estimated 90% of Melbourne residents are double vaccinated , having particularly been hit by the effects of Covid-19 and not many people in the city will be sympathetic to an unvaccinated star receiving exceptional treatment, but treatment outside the parameters of the law could shake the very foundation of the Australian judicial system if its pronouncements are brushed aside by powerful ministers who want to get their own way.
The Australian government have the eyes of the world watching them
And Our eyes are watching too.
Image:Cnn.Com