Scott Morrison has wished his wife Jenny a happy anniversary at the end of a press conference being broadcast across the globe because of the looming Novak Djokovic visa decision.
The Australian Prime Minister was walking away from the podium as the media briefing finished but paused and added: ‘One last thing, indulge me this. Happy anniversary Jenny, I hope I get to see you soon’.
Within minutes of making the comment, a gushing message to his wife was posted on Mr Morrison’s Facebook page featuring selected photos from throughout the couple’s marriage of more than three decades.
‘Happy 32nd anniversary Jen. Our journey together continues. You are an incredible blessing, which I give thanks for everyday. Love you always. Sorry we can’t be together today but will see you soon,’ the message said.
Scott Morrison wished his wife Jenny (pictured together) a happy anniversary as he spoke at a press conference on Thursday amid global attention over the Novak Djokovic visa row
The embattled PM’s image has been bruised this week following the Federal Court overturning the government’s cancellation of Novak Djokovic’s visa – saying the decision and Djokovic’s treatment at the airport were ‘unreasonable’.
Parts of Thursday afternoon’s press conference were being broadcast to the other side of the world and played live by the BBC as international interest in the saga grows ahead of the Australian Open Grand Slam.
The 34-year-old world No.1 tennis player was included in the official draw on Thursday with the tournament set to begin on January 17.
But uncertainty remains about whether the government will cancel the top seed’s visa for a second time.
The world No. 1 tennis player (pictured training in Melbourne on Thursday) has been included in the Australian Open draw despite the possibility his visa could still be cancelled
Immigration Minister Alex Hawke is weighing exercising his discretionary powers to revoke Djokovic’s visa over concerns about the superstar’s medical exemption from Australia’s Covid-19 vaccination requirements.
Djokovic, who was out practicing on Rod Laver Arena earlier on Thursday, drew unseeded fellow Serb Miomir Kecmanovic for his opening round match, expected to be played on Monday or Tuesday.
Organiser Tennis Australia had delayed the official draw for more than an hour, without explanation.
Mr Morrison doubled back to the podium at the press conference to add the personal message to his wife (pictured together on their wedding day 32 years ago)
Within minutes of the comment a gushing message was posted to Facebook featuring photos of the Morrison family (pictured)
Djokovic, a vaccine sceptic, fuelled widespread anger in Australia last week when he announced he was heading to Melbourne for the Australian Open with a medical exemption from requirements for visitors to be inoculated against Covid.
But after his visa was cancelled and then reinstated by the court, some felt the tennis player’s treatment highlighted the government’s hardline stance on refugees and flaws in Australia rigid Covid border rules.
Tens of thousands of Australians were prevented from returning home and separated from their families over the course of 2020-21 because of limited quarantine facilities and flight caps.
The government has, however, won strong support at home for its tough stance on border security has to decide whether to let Djokovic remain and bid for a record 21st major title.
The Australian PM has two daughters with his wife Jenny as has a beloved black schnoodle pup called Buddy (pictured together)
Prime Minister Scott Morrison declined to comment on Djokovic’s visa on Thursday.
Djokovic’s cause was not helped by a mistake in his entry declaration, where the box stating he had not travelled abroad in the two weeks prior to leaving for Australia was ticked.
He had, however, gone to Spain from Serbia and Djokovic attributed the error to his agent.
There may also be resentment in the dressing room, with all but three of the top 100 male tennis players are inoculated.
Tennis great Martina Navratilova said Djokovic should ‘suck it up’ and return home, adding he could ‘get vaccinated or just don’t go play’.
Opinion is divided among Australian’s as to whether Djokovic should be allowed to remain in the country and play in the Australian Open (pictured: Djokovic training at Melbourne Park on Thursday)
Source: Daily Mail
