Government responds to Djokovic ruling

The Federal government is still considering whether to cancel Novak Djokovic’s visa for a second time despite a recent court ruling in the tennis star’s favour.

Novak Djokovic won his battle to stay in Australia and had his visa cancellation overturned, on January 10.

Judge Anthony Kelly ordered the visa cancellation to be overturned and for Djokovic to be released from immigration detention, claiming the cancellation “was unreasonable”.

However, Djokovic could still face deportation as Immigration Minister Alex Hawke considers whether to cancel Djokovic’s visa for a second time and send him home.

Hawke announced in a statement to 9 News that he still had the “personal power” to cancel Djokovic’s visa.

“The Minister is currently considering the matter and the process remains ongoing,” the statement said.

During the hearing, Judge Kelly questioned “what more could this man have done?” in regards to the medical exemption Djokovic believed was valid.

“Here, a professor and a physician have produced and provided to (Djokovic) a medical exemption. Further to that, that medical exemption and the basis on which it was given, was given by a (panel) established by the Victorian Government,” he said.

“That document was in the hands of the delegate. The point I am somewhat agitated about is what more could this man have done?”

Lawyers for Djokovic told the court their client was “utterly confused” by the situation as he believed he had done everything that was expected of him and that he was of the understanding that he “ticked every box”.

Following the ruling, hundreds of Djokovic’s supporters gathered outside his lawyer’s Melbourne office in support and to celebrate the legal victory. Police arrived soon after to disperse the crowd after several of those in attendance became aggressive.

An announcement on whether Djokovic’s visa will be cancelled a second time is expected to be made on Tuesday, January 11.