Federal government loses bid to delay Djokovic case

The Morrison government has failed in a bid to gain two extra days to ready its case against Novak Djokovic.

Djokovic’s bid to overturn his deportation is due to be heard on Monday, but Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews applied to the Federal Circuit Court for the hearing to be heard on Wednesday. Judge Anthony Kelly refused the request.

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

The federal government had been seeking the extension before Djokovic’s lawyers filed their submission, which claimed the 20-time grand slam winner was treated without procedural fairness and was given indications he would be permitted into Australia on January 1.

In an initial hearing to set timelines for the case on Friday, Tennis Australia’s lawyers said it would need to know whether Djokovic could compete by Tuesday, for scheduling purposes. The judge said he would try to accommodate the parties to come to a resolution, but stressed the court would not be rushed.