No 'further comment at this time': Scott Morrison questioned over Novak Djokovic saga

Immigration Minister Alex Hawke still retains the power to cancel the visa of the 20-time Grand Slam champion.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison speaks to the media

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison speaks to the media. Source: AAP

Prime Minister Scott Morrison refused to be drawn on the Novak Djokovic saga as the men's tennis world number one still awaits a decision on whether his visa will be cancelled.

Djokovic's build-up as he defends his Australian Open title has been unorthodox following his stay in immigration detention and a Federal Court case on the cancellation of his visa.

The decision was overturned in court on Monday, but Immigration Minister Alex Hawke still retains the power to cancel the visa of the 20-time Grand Slam champion.
Questioned about the Serb on Thursday afternoon in Canberra, Mr Morrison said: "I will refer to Mr Hawke's most recent statement and that position hasn't changed.

"These are personal ministerial powers able to be exercised by Minister Hawke and I don't propose to make any further comment at this time."

Mr Hawke's most recent statement said lawyers for the tennis star "have recently provided lengthy further submissions and supporting documentation said to be relevant to the possible cancellation of Mr Djokovic’s visa".

"Naturally, this will affect the timeframe for a decision", a spokesperson added.

Djokovic was drawn against compatriot Miomir Kecmanovic in the first round of the tournament, but questions still remain around his participation with the threat of visa cancellation looming.

The draw was meant to be made at 3pm on Thursday but was postponed to later in the day, without explanation from organisers.
Posting on Instagram on Wednesday, Djokovic said the mistake on his immigration form about travel prior to arriving for the Australian Open was an "administrative error".

He told authorities on a border declaration form he had not travelled in the two-week period before his flight to Australia.

However, Djokovic was filmed playing tennis in the streets of Belgrade in Serbia on Christmas Day and training in Spain on 31 December, both within the 14-day window. 

His statement said: "On the issue of my travel declaration, this was submitted by my support team on my behalf - as I told immigration officials on my arrival - and my agent sincerely apologises for the administrative mistake in ticking the incorrect box about my previous travel before coming to Australia.

"This was a human error and certainly not deliberate."


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By Alexander Britton
Source: SBS News


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