COVID-19 and Tennis

[kookaburra75]

The Government folded because they'd taken the temperature of the bench and it wasn't looking good.

The Commonwealth Government always had the option of passing regulation or legislation to remove all ambiguity, which they elected not to do. They have people who work for them who can write these things.

This was never about Djokovic though, it was about whether the Aust Border Force officials had followed the established legal principles as required. Looking through the notes of his interview, they hadn't, and that's why the Govt folded so comprehensively.

I think the Federal Government's biggest worry, was the Judge could have made a ruling that the steps that Djokovic had gone through in applying to come and play at the Australian Open, were sufficient for the purposes of entry to Australia - that would have really set the cat amongst the pigeons.

 

[Pushka]

And @antycbr apparently there has now been a much clearer statement put on the immigration website that prior covid infection within the last 6 months is not a medical contra indication to vaccination.

Will be interesting to see what twist Novax comes up with for AO 2023!

I thought the exemption was more based on recent infection provides immunity for a period of time, but it goes back to safety of immunisation?

 

[antycbr]

This was never about Djokovic though, it was about whether the Aust Border Force officials had followed the established legal principles as required. Looking through the notes of his interview, they hadn't, and that's why the Govt folded so comprehensively.

I think the Federal Government's biggest worry, was the Judge could have made a ruling that the steps that Djokovic had gone through in applying to come and play at the Australian Open, were sufficient for the purposes of entry to Australia - that would have really set the cat amongst the pigeons.

And this will be why the Government most likely won't cancel his visa because the judge was leaning that way.

 

[drron]

Guess it proves my point...

But the Government had already told Tennis Australia that twice in November.
Quite frankly I now believe TA told the players porkies deliberately thinking that when they turned up at the border the Government would cave. The TA boss has admitted he wanted Novax to play.

Now if an ordinary Serbian male turned up at our border unvaccinated but with Stat Decs that he had just recovered from covid he would be on the next plane out. And if on examination it was apparent he was here for work likely a 3 year ban.

Also one must question the non appearance of the Victorian Government. If they really believed that it was important for Novax to play why didn't they provide him with an exemption on his value to Victoria for appearing at the AO. If they didn't believe that which is their stated position he really didn't have a valid exemption despite the judges remarks.

However I believe there is a real chance of the AO losing it's slam status. It would be a definite outcome except for China really upsetting the tennis world recently.

 

[antycbr]

But the Government had already told Tennis Australia that twice in November.
Quite frankly I now believe TA told the players porkies deliberately thinking that when they turned up at the border the Government would cave. The TA boss has admitted he wanted Novax to play.

Now if an ordinary Serbian male turned up at our border unvaccinated but with Stat Decs that he had just recovered from covid he would be on the next plane out. And if on examination it was apparent he was here for work likely a 3 year ban.

Also one must question the non appearance of the Victorian Government. If they really believed that it was important for Novax to play why didn't they provide him with an exemption on his value to Victoria for appearing at the AO. If they didn't believe that which is their stated position he really didn't have a valid exemption despite the judges remarks.

However I believe there is a real chance of the AO losing it's slam status. It would be a definite outcome except for China really upsetting the tennis world recently.

Once again, to labour my point, telling Tennis Australia in a letter, is different to writing legislation or regulations that makes it clear.

 

[kpc]

Just scroll down a bit on the link below:
10.38am

Serbian PM phones Scott Morrison​

By Staff reporters​

Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic telephoned Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison overnight, the Serbian government has said.
Ms Brnabic asked that Novak Djokovic is treated fairly and that all of his rights are respected, Radio-Television of Serbia reported.

As it happened: Novak Djokovic wins bid to play in 2022 Australian Open; COVID-19 cases continue to surge across the nation

Novak Djokovic trains at the Rod Laver Arena as a free man, NSW is considering whether to mandate the registration of positive rapid antigen test results, and Ambulance Victoria issues another “code red”.

www.theage.com.au

 

[dajop]

Have to laugh, listened to a number of media reports suggesting "Alex Hawke is weighing up whether or not to exert his Ministerial Powers to revoke Djokovic's visa" (or the like). I'd assume Alex Hawke is doing no such thing. It's the PM's advisors that would be doing the "weighing up", and it would be a "captain's call" from the PM that Alex Hawke would deliver. Alex Hawke would hardly even have a say in the decision.

 

[Lynda2475]

More fool Scomo for taking the call. The world needs to stop indulging this anti-vaxer tennis brat. He shouldn't have been allowed in, he has been released on a technicality despite not being eligible to be here.

Most Australians are appalled at the outcome, the media is misreading the room badly.

 

[antycbr]

More fool Scomo for taking the call. The world needs to stop indulging this anti-vaxer tennis brat. He shouldn't have been allowed in, he has been released on a technicality despite not being eligible to be here.

Most Australians are appalled at the outcome, the media is misreading the room badly.

Most? What basis are you making that on?

Currently the only "scientific" poll we have is a readers poll in 9/Fairfax - 59% in favour of him playing, 37% against. 74,000 responses.

 

[Pushka]

Most? What basis are you making that on?

Currently the only "scientific" poll we have is a readers poll in 9/Fairfax - 59% in favour of him playing, 37% against. 74,000 responses.

Maybe it's a state thing, or not. ABC national radio last night were taking callers, all but one of them wanting him to depart. Surprised me coming from ABC.

 

[drron]

Once again, to labour my point, telling Tennis Australia in a letter, is different to writing legislation or regulations that makes it clear.

But Tennis Australia is the major party saying things are confusing so that is why they were advised in clear terms what the rules were. The fact that they then sent letters to competitors directly contradicting that advice is why I say TA is the mastermind of this whole drama.

 

[Lynda2475]

There is nothing scientific about a Fairfax poll.

Over 83k signed change.org petition to have him deported. In chatter on the radio, in cafes and online very little support for this wanker.

Believe it or not, there is a huge swathe of Aussies who couldn't give a toss a bout the tennis, but do care that they have had to jump through hurdles to return home, travel abroad or have close relatives visit despite being fully vaxed and mindful of complying with covid safe practices.

They feel aggrieved that an unvaccinated, anti-vaxer promoter who was out socializing despite being positive has been allowed in. Had it not been for his tennis profile he would have been sent packing days ago. The Serbian president wouldn't have been manipulating the media and attacking the Aus government if joe average Serbian had been sent home.

I will never understand why so many so keen to idolise and convey privilege on someone who hits a ball about.

 

[SeatBackForward]

Twitter post that he declared, on the incoming form, he had not travelled in the 14days prior to arriving, but social media posts show him having travelled from Belgrade to Spain within that time.

The form specifically labours the point that providing false information here is a serious offence.

 

[antycbr]

Over 83k signed change.org petition to have him deported. In chatter on the radio, in cafes and online very little support for this wanker.

Just as equally there is nothing scientific about a change.org petition, and they are as irrelevant as petitions to parliament.

 

[Lynda2475]

Just as equally there is nothing scientific about a change.org petition.

I didn't claim there was, however more people responded to that all anti Novak, so there are plenty about who do not support the outcome.

 

[HappyFlyerFamily]

Most? What basis are you making that on?

Currently the only "scientific" poll we have is a readers poll in 9/Fairfax - 59% in favour of him playing, 37% against. 74,000 responses.

I was waiting for a news.com.au poll so I could participate lol.

 

[HappyFlyerFamily]

Twitter post that he declared, on the incoming form, he had not travelled in the 14days prior to arriving, but social media posts show him having travelled from Belgrade to Spain within that time.

The form specifically labours the point that providing false information here is a serious offence.

Why does the (immigation? Australian travel declaration?) form ask whether you travelled in the previous 14 days? I would have expected say in December that might have referred to certain countries in southern African.

 

[get me outta here]

Have to laugh, listened to a number of media reports suggesting "Alex Hawke is weighing up whether or not to exert his Ministerial Powers to revoke Djokovic's visa" (or the like). I'd assume Alex Hawke is doing no such thing. It's the PM's advisors that would be doing the "weighing up", and it would be a "captain's call" from the PM that Alex Hawke would deliver. Alex Hawke would hardly even have a say in the decision.

Two bad options for Morrison to choose between, no matter where the blame lies and not simple.
‘The law is the law’, if only they knew what it was themselves. Looking forward to seeing how they resolve it. Using this to get the children’s vaccine debacle off the front page isn’t quite working.

 

[SeatBackForward]

Why does the (immigation? Australian travel declaration?) form ask whether you travelled in the previous 14 days? I would have expected say in December that might have referred to certain countries in southern African.

This is the form that's been required due to COVID:

Department of Home Affairs Website

Home Affairs brings together Australia's federal law enforcement, national and transport security, criminal justice, emergency management, multicultural affairs, settlement services and immigration and border-related functions, working together to keep Australia safe.

covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au

Australia Travel Declaration​

All passengers arriving by air into Australia should complete an Australia Travel Declaration (ATD) at least 72 hours before departure.

The information in the ATD helps determine your quarantine arrangements (if required) and also allows the relevant health departments to contact you if someone you travelled with tests positive for COVID-19. This is an important process that helps keep Australia safe and the borders open.

 

[Saab34]

I think he is going to do it.

Chance here for the Feds to make up some lost ground in what is generally a lack of decision making in recent times.

It’s a decision that will please all sides. Left, Right and Centre.