Transcript reveals moment Djokovic is given notice that his visa may be cancelled
As we mentioned earlier, the transcripts of Djokovic's interviews with border force have been released.
This section catches the moment the tennis star is given notice that his visa may be cancelled and he now has 20 minutes to argue why his visa shouldn't be cancelled.
The interviewer says Djokovic can request more time.
Djokovic: "So you're giving me legally 20 minutes to try to provide additional information that I don’t have?
"At 4 o clock in the morning? I mean you kind of put me in a very awkward position where at 4 in the morning I can’t call director of Tennis Australia, I can’t engage with anybody from the Victorian state government through Tennis Australia.
"I just you put me in a very uncomfortable position. I don’t know what else can I tell you. I mean I-I-I-I everything that that they -- I was asked to do is here."
"And I wouldn’t be here sitting in front of you if I if I wasn’t complying to all the rules and regulations set by your government. So I just -- I don’t know what I I mean -- to me it is a little bit shocking that you are have -- that you are going to give me the notice to cancel my visa based on what?
Transcript confirms Djokovic is unvaccinated
Now that the ruling has been announced, a number of documents related to the case have been released including part of the tennis star's interview with border force.
In this interview, Djokovic announces that he has not been vaccinated.
Interviewer: "What are your reasons for travelling to Australia today?"
Djokovic: "I'm a professional tennis player and the main reason for me coming to Australia is participating in the Australian Open in Melbourne."
Interviewer: "Now question regarding your vaccination - are you vaccinated?"
Djokovic: "I am not vaccinated."
He then tells the interviewer that he has tested positive for Covid twice - in June 2020 and on 16 December 2021.
Judge Kelly asked this question earlier today, echoing the arguments of Novak Djokovic's lawyer, Nick Wood.
Mr Wood had argued that the player had done "everything required of him by Tennis Australia", which granted him the exemption from the country's entry rules requiring foreigners to be fully vaccinated.
The government's lawyers had not even begun their submissions. But much about Judge Kelly's tone in the hearing felt quite telling.
He described how the tennis star was held for hours after a long journey, and was rushed to accept the decision that his visa has been revoked without being given time to consult his lawyers or Tennis Australia.
It felt like the government's lawyers would have a tough job on their hands. In the end, it seems they did too.
hope he wins
https://twitter.com/Voice4Victoria/status/1480448795242426368
https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/atagi-expanded-guidance-on-temporary-medical-exemptions-for-covid-19-vaccines
source for all these quotes is BBC