'Where are you': Minister under fire over Novak Djokovic 'shambles'
Independent Tasmanian senator Jacqui Lambie has called out Immigration Minister Alex Hawke over the Novak Djokovic fiasco, calling on him to make a decision on whether the tennis star will be deported.
The ugly saga has now entered a second week and there is still no word from Hawke just 72 hours out from the Australian Open.
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The government is reportedly leaning towards cancelling Djokovic's visa again, but the World No.1 is almost certain to challenge that decision in court.
"Why does this keep dripping out of the tap," Lambie said on Channel Nine on Friday morning.
"Alex Hawke, where are you? Missing in action?
"If you can't make a decision on Novak Djokovic, goodness me, how are you guys running the country? This is an absolute shambles."
Senator Lambie said Djokovic should be sent packing if he has broken the rules.
In the same segment, Finance Minister Simon Birmingham said while the visa issue was a matter for Mr Hawke, the government had been very clear about its border control measures requiring people to be double vaccinated for Covid-19 before entering Australia.
"Our policy, not to come to any specific case, remains the same," Senator Birmingham said.
But shadow treasurer Jim Chalmers said if Djokovic didn't meet the visa requirements, he shouldn't have been granted a visa in the first place.
"When Scott Morrison thought there was a political opportunity in this, he was all over it," Mr Chalmers said.
"Now that it's gone so badly, he wants to pretend it has nothing to do with him and it's all Alex Hawke's job and all of his fault."
Alex Hawke still considering decision on Novak Djokovic
Mr Hawke has been pondering whether to use his discretionary powers to deport the Serbian tennis player for most of this week.
Asked on Thursday whether Djokovic would have his visa cancelled, the Prime Minister noted Mr Hawke was still considering.
"I will refer to Mr Hawke's most recent statement, and that position hasn't changed," Mr Morrison said in Canberra.
"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."
The Prime Minister later said Australia's border policy had not changed since reopening to international travellers in December.
"The individual has to show they are double-vaccinated, or must provide acceptable proof they can't be vaccinated for medical reasons," Mr Morrison said.
The saga took a bizarre twist on Thursday afternoon when the Australian Open draw was delayed for an over an hour.
When it finally got underway following the PM's press conference, Djokovic was drawn to face Serbian compatriot Miomir Kecmanovic in the first round.
58 days and counting.
That’s how long ago the Morrison Govt granted Novak Djokovic a visa to come to Australia.@AlexHawkeMP needs to decide now whether Djokovic stays or goes.
The Morrison Govt is just incompetent.
This is a farce. pic.twitter.com/VqtmVjTQux— Kristina Keneally (@KKeneally) January 13, 2022
Today’s Djokovic news is no news so far.
We sit and wait for immigration minister Alex Hawke’s decision.
And wait. And wait.#AusOpen— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) January 13, 2022
The last ice age passed faster than Alex Hawke making a decision.
— No prize won (@noozchoozy) January 14, 2022
It's January 2050. Alex Hawke yet to make decision on Novak Djokovic's visa. 😏🎾 #auspol #AusOpen #Novak_Djokovic
— Peter Murphy (@PeterWMurphy1) January 14, 2022
Roger Federer's appearance when Alex Hawke finally makes his visa decision on Novak Djokovic pic.twitter.com/4TAP5zFLew
— Chris Goldsmith (@TheTennisTalker) January 13, 2022
with AAP
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