"Djokovic needs to be fully vaccinated or have a great excuse" says Victoria Sports Minister Pakula

Victoria Sports Minister Martin Pakula is the latest person to chime in on Novak Djokovic and the Australian Open explaining the only ways he can attend.

Novak Djokovic is not yet confirmed for the Australian Open because nobody including the event organizers are aware of his vaccination status. Djokovic put his name in the entry list indicating his intention to take part in the event but nobody is sure whether he will truly show up. The only reason he will be allowed entry into the country is with a medical exception against vaccination or a vaccination confirmation.

Victoria Sports Minister Martin Pakula was clear in his communication saying:

"If Djokovic chooses not to be vaccinated and is not accepted in the expert committee, he will not play the Australian Open. In order to enter the tournament, he must have a good excuse to explain the reason for their non-vaccination."

Pakula further said:

"If people think that we have done this to try to give Djokovic a chance to play the tournament they are very wrong. Everyone who participates must be vaccinated or have a significant reason why they have not."

Pakula also explained that politics has nothing to do with it saying:

"It is not up to me, or the Prime Minister, or any other politician to determine whether or not he can play the tournament. It will be assessed by a committee of experts."