Prime Minister says Novak Djokovic brought ‘significant attention’ upon himself from border officials

A single act done by Novak Djokovic days ago could have sealed his fate even before he started his journey to Australia, the PM has said.

A single, simple act that Novak Djokovic did before he even got on the plane to Australia may have sealed his fate, the Prime Minister has said.

Scott Morrison this morning denied Djokovic was “singled out” by border officials. But he did say the tennis champion could himself be to blame for bringing “significant attention” to himself through “public statements” before he arrived in Australia.

They could refer to a now infamous social media post by the world No. 1.

Earlier this week, Djokovic posted a picture of himself at an airport revealing he had been granted an “exemption” to play at the Australian Open.

“I’ve spent fantastic quality time with my loved ones over the break and today I’m heading Down Under with an exemption permission. Let’s go 2022!!” Djokovic wrote on Instagram.

But that “exemption” to being vaccinated had no effect with Djokovic detained at Melbourne Airport late last night after his Emirates flight landed.

An image Novak Djokovic put on Instagram just days ago when he posted that he had an “exemption” to visit Australia.

This morning, the tennis star was told to leave the country after the Australian Border Force (ABF) said he failed to “provide appropriate evidence to meet the entry requirements to Australia”.

Djokovic will reportedly be transported to a quarantine hotel in the city before boarding a flight back to Europe.

He is expected to challenge the decision in Victoria’s courts.

On Thursday morning, Mr Morrison took to social media to confirm Djokovic’s visa had been cancelled.

“Rules are rules, especially when it comes to our borders,” he tweeted.

“No one is above these rules. Our strong border policies have been critical to Australia having one of the lowest death rates in the world from Covid, we are continuing to be vigilant.”

Prime Minister Scott Morrison holds a press conference in the Prime Minister's Courtyard in Canberra. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

PM: Djokovic brought attention upon himself

Talking to reporters, the PM was challenged as to why other tennis players had been given medical exemptions to enter Australia and if border officials had reserved “special treatment” for Djokovic.

Mr Morrison said that was not to case but ABF staff nonetheless “act on intelligence to direct their attention to potential arrivals”.

“When you get people making public statements, of what they say they have and what they are going to do and what their claims are, they draw significant attention to themselves.

“Anyone who does that – whether they are a celebrity, a politician, a tennis player, a journalist, whoever does that – they can expect to be asked questions more than others before you,” he said.

“That is how Border Force works. They are not singled out at all.”

Mr Djokovic’s visa has been cancelled. Rules are rules, especially when it comes to our borders. No one is above these rules. Our strong border policies have been critical to Australia having one of the lowest death rates in the world from COVID, we are continuing to be vigilant.

— Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) January 5, 2022

Other exempted players now being investigated

Meanwhile, home affairs minister Karen Andrew has said Border Force will now be examining reports other non-vaccinated players had been allowed into the country prior to Djokovic’s arrival.

“It may well be that everyone who has come into the country has the correct documentation,” she told Mark Levy on Sydney radio station 2GB.

“If the evidence is not there then they will take the appropriate action.”

No visa for Novak.

On the same show, Mr Hunt was asked by Levy if he was “surprised” an exemption had been granted for Djokovic.

“Well I was actually after what (the Victorian Government) had previously said.

“I hadn’t realised that was going through the works and then Border Force did a review and made their decision and the policy of the government, led by the Prime Minister, has been absolutely clear on border protection and that’s about equal treatment according to the rules and not having fear or favour”.

No exemption in place, says PM

On Thursday, Mr Morrison suggested Djokovic’s much heralded “exemption” may never have been watertight.

Talking to reporters, Mr Morrison revealed the champ’s evidence for a medical exemption was “insufficient”.

“Entry with a visa requires double vaccination, or a medical exemption,” he said.

“I am advised that such an exemption was not in place, and as a result he is subject to the same rule as anyone else.”

Mr Morrison added that it is not uncommon and that entrants to Australia needed to be double vaccinated, which is assessed at the border.

He also said it is on the traveller to have the proof to show why they have not been vaccinated.

“He provided information to the airline to allow his entry onto the plane but people get on the plane, that is not an assurance that they will be able to come through Australia’s border at the other side.

“The problem is not necessarily with the visa. There are many visas granted and if you have a visa and are double vaccinated you are very welcome to come. And I think what this says to everybody in Australia the people are welcome but if you are not double vaccinated and not an Australian resident or citizen, you cannot come.”