‘One rule for all’: Novak Djokovic refused entry into Australia

Novak Djokovic’s visa to enter Australia has been cancelled.

It came after he was held at Melbourne Airport for hours after arriving in Australia late last night.

It is unclear if Djokovic will leave the country today, or if he will remain in Australia while his lawyers attempt to overturn the decision.

Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt says the Commonwealth had no involvement in the decision to approve Djokovic’s initial medical exemption.

“Let’s be clear, this was a Victorian process done between Tennis Australia and Victoria, which we always said was the case,” he told Tony Jones, filling in for Neil Mitchell.

“Victoria led an exemption process and the ABF reviewed it, and frankly we’ve been very strong, and clear, and absolute that it’s one rule for all.

“The Australian Border Force can confirm that Mr Djokovic failed to provide appropriate evidence to meet the entry requirements to Australia, and his visa has been subsequently cancelled.”

Press PLAY below to hear Health Minister Greg Hunt speaking about the visa denial

Acting Victorian Sports Minister Jaala Pulford denies the situation sits with the Victorian government.

“There’s obviously been an issue with the visa … category that Novak has applied for and that’s a matter for the Commonwealth,” she told Tony Jones.

“I think Mr Hunt, while his health department may not have been involved, the Commonwealth government border force and immigration responsibilities make it very clear that they do visas, not us.”

Serbian media reports Djokovic will take the visa refusal to court, but it’s unclear if that process could be completed in time for the world number one to play in the Australian Open.

Press PLAY below to hear more from Victoria’s acting Minister for Sport

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