The Minister for Immigration, Mr Alex Hawke decided to exercise his discretionary power pursuant to Section 133C(3) of the Migration Act 1958 (Cth) to cancel Novak Djokovic’s visa, on the basis that it was “in the public interest to do so”. This would result in him being unable to compete in the 2022 Australian Open and ultimately in his deportation.

We would like to inform the Australian public that today, when Serbian Orthodox believers celebrate the blessed Feast of the Holy Nativity of Christ - Christmas, the rector of the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Melbourne, The Very Reverend Archpriest Milorad Loncar, with the blessings of His Grace Bishop Siluan, requested permission from the Australian Border Force to conduct a pastoral visit to Novak Djokovic. He was refused, on the grounds that no one is allowed access to the Park Hotel (Migration Detention Center) at Carlton because of Covid restrictions. 

The chaos inflicted on God’s Creation particularly on it’s Crown – Man, over the past two years has caused enormous damage, suffering and tragedy. And whilst nations and governments across the world have utilized enormous quantities of resources to curb the level of suffering, many mistakes have been made in the process. Many could have been completely avoided. What ever happened to critical thinking, round table discussions, expert panels, discretion, debate and dialogue in Australia? What ever happened to empathy, compassion, not to mention the crown of virtues Love? I am particularly saddened at the vilification of people who for whatever reason, have chosen not to be vaccinated with the currently offered vaccines. Few, in positions of authority and the media, have ever bothered to ask why these people are so steadfast in their conviction. As a consequence, they unwittingly make terrible errors of judgement and stimulate prejudices.