Novak Djokovic's visa 'should have been cancelled after tweeting' according to new inquiry

Australian Labor senator Kristina Keneally claims that Novak Djokovic should have had his visa cancelled after his pre-Australian Open Tweet.

Djokovic, who has spoken out against mandated Covid vaccines in the past, had obtained a medical vaccine exemption to compete in Melbourne last month. However, upon arrival, he was stopped and held in detention until a judge cleared him to enter the country and play.

Australian Immigration Minister Alex Hawke then stepped in and deported the 34-year-old on public interest grounds, for fear that it could stir up anti-vaccine sentiment in a country that has endured months of strict Covid measures.

Labor senator Keneally questioned whether the chaotic legal process could have been avoided altogether if more thought had been given to Djokovic's pre-tournament Tweet. She argued:

"Mr Djokovic - one of the most famous people on the planet and who has very strong anti-vaccination views - applies to come to one of the most famous events in the world. He tweets that he's coming and has permission to come - at no point ... did anyone think we should cancel his visa on character grounds?"

First assistant secretary of the department's immigration program, Michael Willard, later pointed out that Djokovic's visa was cancelled on different grounds to those that could have been known before his arrival.

More information will be available as the formal inquiries in the case happen and whenever Djokovic holds his press conference about the matter as he promised about 10 days ago.