02:08Mandatory credit: Parliament of Australia
Prime Minister Scott Morrison spoke on Thursday regarding professional tennis player Novak Djokovic, who was detained at the airport due to not being vaccinated against COVID-19, stating 'rules are rules and there are no special cases.'
The athlete was aiming at participating at the upcoming Australian Open, but was held up at Melbourne airport on January 5 after failing to comply with the country's entry regulations.
"Rules are rules and there are no special cases. Rules are rules," Morrison said regarding the situation.
The prime minister stressed that the border force had 'done their job' in denying entry to the sports star, stressing that he was 'subject to the same rule as anyone else.'
"I also want to stress that ultimately this is the responsibility of the traveller. It is for the traveller to be able to assert and back up their ability to come into the country consistent with our laws," Morrison continued.
To enter Australia, people must provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or give a medical exemption on why they can not be vaccinated.
Soon after being detained at the airport, the tennis star was taken to the Park Hotel, a location being used as a quarantine facility in Melbourne.
Djokovic is reportedly attempting to launch a last-minute court bid to stay in the country and participate in the tournament.
Australia: 'Rules are rules and there are no special cases' - PM Morrison on Djokovic
Prime Minister Scott Morrison spoke on Thursday regarding professional tennis player Novak Djokovic, who was detained at the airport due to not being vaccinated against COVID-19, stating 'rules are rules and there are no special cases.'
The athlete was aiming at participating at the upcoming Australian Open, but was held up at Melbourne airport on January 5 after failing to comply with the country's entry regulations.
"Rules are rules and there are no special cases. Rules are rules," Morrison said regarding the situation.
The prime minister stressed that the border force had 'done their job' in denying entry to the sports star, stressing that he was 'subject to the same rule as anyone else.'
"I also want to stress that ultimately this is the responsibility of the traveller. It is for the traveller to be able to assert and back up their ability to come into the country consistent with our laws," Morrison continued.
To enter Australia, people must provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or give a medical exemption on why they can not be vaccinated.
Soon after being detained at the airport, the tennis star was taken to the Park Hotel, a location being used as a quarantine facility in Melbourne.
Djokovic is reportedly attempting to launch a last-minute court bid to stay in the country and participate in the tournament.
Mandatory credit: Parliament of Australia
Prime Minister Scott Morrison spoke on Thursday regarding professional tennis player Novak Djokovic, who was detained at the airport due to not being vaccinated against COVID-19, stating 'rules are rules and there are no special cases.'
The athlete was aiming at participating at the upcoming Australian Open, but was held up at Melbourne airport on January 5 after failing to comply with the country's entry regulations.
"Rules are rules and there are no special cases. Rules are rules," Morrison said regarding the situation.
The prime minister stressed that the border force had 'done their job' in denying entry to the sports star, stressing that he was 'subject to the same rule as anyone else.'
"I also want to stress that ultimately this is the responsibility of the traveller. It is for the traveller to be able to assert and back up their ability to come into the country consistent with our laws," Morrison continued.
To enter Australia, people must provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or give a medical exemption on why they can not be vaccinated.
Soon after being detained at the airport, the tennis star was taken to the Park Hotel, a location being used as a quarantine facility in Melbourne.
Djokovic is reportedly attempting to launch a last-minute court bid to stay in the country and participate in the tournament.