Novak Djokovic, the record holder of most weeks spent as world’s best tennis player, will begin his 2023 season at the Adelaide International.
This will be the first leg of his quest towards the 10th Australian Open Title. Djokovic is currently eyeing his 22nd major slam victory, with the Australian Open starting on 16 January.
Visa ban U-turn explained
The Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, and Multicultural Affairs, the Hon Andrew Giles MP, recently revoked the cancellation decision of a temporary entry visa for international tennis superstar Novak Djokovic under section 133F of the Migration Act 1958.
Principal Solicitor of Solve Law immigration firm Krishlyn Chetty said:
“Ban overturn is not common. However, the Minister does have broad powers and can exercise his discretion as he sees fit—the Migration Act allows this. In Djokovic’s case, the ban overturn was within the scope of the Minister’s powers as the Minister can decide to revoke a cancellation if the grounds for cancellation in the first place does not exist anymore.”
Serbian Ambassador reacts
The Serbian Ambassador to Australia, His Excellency Rade Stefanovic, said in an exclusive interview for Fairfield Local News:
” Serbia is naturally very happy to see that Novak Djokovic’s visa ban was overturned. This was an outcome which we were hoping for.
Although it was the decision within exclusive jurisdiction of the Australian authorities,
we had a frank opportunity to present the attitude of the Serbian government to our Australian colleagues and express the sentiment by Serbian Australians who want to see Novak Djokovic compete for his 10th Australian Open title in Melbourne.
As Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to Australia, I would like to thank all relevant ministries for close cooperation with Serbia, in particular the Home Affairs Department and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
There are many positive effects of the visa ban reversal decision on people-to-people contacts, which I hope will translate into other aspects of our already close cooperation.”
Local reactions
Very Rev. Fr. Miodrag Peric – Sydney Dean of the Metropolitanate of Australia & New Zealand of the Serbian Orthodox Church, said for Fairfield Local News:
“It is good news! The Serbian community is grateful to the Federal Government for the fair decision which rectifies the injustice caused to Novak and our community by the former Government. This will improve Australia’s reputation as a welcoming destination. It is a good decision, good for Tennis Australia, good for the sport without politics, and definitely good for thousands of Novak’s fans in Australia. Glory to God and “Go Australia”.”
Some members of the Australian Serbian community felt ostracised earlier this year in light of what has become a media hysteria against Djokovic, and in some cases, his Serbian identity. Following Djokovic’s expulsion from Australia and the imposing of a three-year entry ban, the Australian Serbian community held its largest ever survey of public opinion with more than one thousand people surveyed. The findings show that many Australian-Serbians felt excluded as a result of their sympathy for Djokovic, with even several primary school children reportedly being bullied in their schools for being of Serbian origin.
John Jeremic of the Serbian Council of Australia (SCOFA) said:
“SCOFA submitted a report on the discrimination and vilification of Serbs in Australia following Djokovic’s deportation to Race Discrimination Commissioner, Mr Chin Tan. Following our constructive dialogue with the Australian Human Rights Commission staff, we are happy that SCOFA report’s findings assisted in the shaping of a new national framework against racism in Australia, which the Australian Serbian community wholeheartedly supports. Tennis is about bringing people together, not dividing the community.”
Fairfield City Councillor Michael Mijatovic observed:
“I think it was important that this ban was overturned, not just because Djokovic is the best tennis player in history, or even because of all the great humanitarian work which he does, but rather because it was the right thing to do”.
Tanja Zupkovic from the Bonnyrigg Sports Club said for Fairfield Local News:
“News that Novak is returning to Australia for the Grand Slam is fantastic news for Australian Tennis and fans, not to mention the Serbian community. I’m sure all of Australia will be there to support him”.
One of Djokovic’s most ardent fans, who is frequently featured on international news cheering for her fan in bright Serbian flag colours from Melbourne stands, said for Fairfield Local News:
“NOLE ARMY is waiting in the wings to WELCOME our CHAMP back to AUSTRALIA!!
I’ve been watching Novak since 2006 and nothing stopped us attending the Australian Open even when we lost our house to the QLD floods.”
Visa ban was bad for Australia’s international reputation
Brenton Cox, Managing Director of Adelaide Airport, recently said for Aviation Australia:
“Novak Djokovic’s treatment by Australian authorities earlier this year has put tourists off visiting the country.”
There is a hope now that the latest visa ban overturn will reverse this trend and help improve global image of Australia as a welcoming destination.