Australian ministers hold contrasting views on vaccination guidelines for upcoming Australian Open

With the recent rule that players hoping to compete at the 2022 Australian Open need to be fully vaccinated, some government ministers are calling for a change to the guidelines.

The Australian Minister of Immigration, Alex Hawke and Minister of Health, Greg Hunt confirmed earlier this week that all traveling tennis players will need to be double vaccinated against the virus to be granted visas to visit the country. Furthermore, Hunt would go on to state that these rules apply to everyone, regardless of "whether you are world number one."

This almost certainly applies to Novak Djokovic, who has not revealed his vaccination status but has been openly opposed to getting the shot. Therefore, the Serbian is in danger of defending his title, should he refuse to get vaccinated.

However, backbencher Senator Matt Canavan says those who have caught the virus should be permitted entry to the Australian Open, suiting Djokovic who had Covid-19 in June 2020.

“We should change the rules. Those rules are wrong," said Canavan. "I’m not saying it should be a rule for Novak, it should be a rule for everybody. If you’ve had Covid and have natural immunity, you’re better off.”

Despite Canavan’s comments, Victorian Australian Medical Association President Dr. Roderick McRae revealed exactly why those choosing not to be jabbed should be banned.

“I understand Djokovic had the coronavirus but, believe it or not, the immunity from the vaccination is better than the immunity from catching the disease,” said McRae.

“I think there is an element of standards here. It’s important our leaders make these decisions in our interests and banning unvaccinated travelers demonstrates to the community just how important we take this.”