“We will not be providing Novak Djokovic with individual visa,”: Labor MP Jaala Pulford not ready to allow Djokovic to enter Australia
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Jaala Pulford and Novak Djokovic
Ever since the medical committee granted Novak Djokovic an exemption to participate in the 2022 Australian Open without being vaccinated, the decision has not gone well with the Australian citizens, especially citizens of Victoria as they feel violated given they have spent nearly 300 days in a strict lockdown and have been confined to their homes.
The medical committee was formed by medical professionals and did not have any political involvement and was formed by the State and not the tournament officials. However, with Djokovic handed the exemption, doubts over the legitimacy of the committee have come into question given Djokovic’s track record at the Australian Open.
Confirmation of Novak’s participation was done by the player himself when he posted his photo from the airport announcing that he is travelling to Australia for the Slam ‘Down Under’. Since then, Australians have been enraged and made their criticism of his participation known to the government and the tournament officials.
Amidst this, Labor MP and stand-in Sports Minister of the state of Victoria, Jaala Pulford has come forward and announced that the Victorian state will not be providing support to Djokovic for his visa application. The minister announced the decision via her Twitter handle and received praise for such a decision.
“Novak Djokovic could be on a plane back home” : Australian Prime Minister
Pulford’s statement comes after the Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison threatened to put Djokovic on a plane back home if he is unable to provide proof of why he needs to be exempted from the Covid-19 vaccine that is compulsory for everyone wishing to enter the Melbourne Park to be a part of the Grand Slam starting 17th January.
“We await his presentation and what evidence he provides us to support that. If that evidence is insufficient, then he won’t be treated any different to anyone else and he’ll be on the next plane home. There should be no special rules for Novak Djokovic at all. None whatsoever,” said Morrison during a press conference amidst the rising anger of the Australians.
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Sarthak Shitole
(3462 Articles Published)