CV and mad panic behaviour

[capcom]

Hawke is taking FAR too long. 

[LP]

Hawke is taking FAR too long.

Is it an accident?

I've heard behind the scenes it's a political nightmare. So it may be that they are choosing the moment such that they are seen to do the right thing, but Djoker still gets to play. A ban that is then swiftly overturned in court, too late to prevent Djoker playing before the tournament starts/concludes.

I've also heard accusations that Conservative Federal and NSW State governments are colluding to get the next Aust Open into NSW, basically doing their best to throw a spanner in the works for this years event! I'm afraid even as a remote rumour it feels like something Scotty from Marketing and Parrotsay would be right into!

As an aside there are also some F1 rumors going around that NSW has sought an assurance from F1 that if this years race fails to go ahead without full crowds the next contract moves to NSW.

All this really does is paint Australia as a clown destination for such events, and it opens the door for foreign competitors, you wouldn't be surprised to find we loose both!

[kruddler]

As an aside there are also some F1 rumors going around that NSW has sought an assurance from F1 that if this years race fails to go ahead with full crowds the next contract moves to NSW.

All this really does is paint Australia as a clown destination for such events, and it opens the door for foreign competitors, you wouldn't be surprised to find we loose both!

NSW have been trying to steal the F1's for about 10 years now.
They have just redone the Albert Park Circuit and made it more of a track that encourages overtaking.

No way NSW could get a suitable track up and running in time that would be a better spectacle with better racing that what exists now.
As for the 'benchmark' of full crowds. No such thing. Its basically majority gen admin. Grand stand seating might make up 20% of the overall crowds and as a result, its impossible to predict what a 'full crowd' would even look like.

I can almost guarantee that crowds will be down, simply because a lot of people fly internationally to come to Melbourne for the first race of the year.
Now...
1. It is not the first race of the year, thus less appealing.
2. Less people are allowed in from overseas, and less are wanting to go anywhere from oversees.
3. Locals are a bit gun shy in going out and about at present, preferring to watch from the safety of their isolated living rooms....and i think that will be a trend for every race this year.

FWIW, i think F1 recently extended the Melbourne contract anyway. Its there until 2025.

[LP]

As for the 'benchmark' of full crowds. No such thing. Its basically majority gen admin. Grand stand seating might make up 20% of the overall crowds and as a result, its impossible to predict what a 'full crowd' would even look like.

 
Sorry I fixed up that line, I did mean to write "without" full crowds.

[LP]

FWIW, i think F1 recently extended the Melbourne contract anyway. Its there until 2025.

Yes, the rumor is specific to the next contract, so in fact NSW would have 3 years to get ready if they can trigger the decision after the 2022 race.

I presume that NSW want it decided now, because if this shizen pandemic gets sorted 2023 would be a bumper event! The F1 glitterati will be among the first to resume international travel!

[kruddler]

Yes, the rumor is specific to the next contract, so in fact NSW would have 3 years to get ready if they can trigger the decision after the 2022 race.

I presume that NSW want it decided now, because if this shizen pandemic gets sorted 2023 would be a bumper event! The F1 glitterati will be among the first to resume international travel!

Its all good in theory, but NSW simply can't draw a crowd like sports made Melbourne can.
F1 is more than happy with the event in Melbourne (last 2 years being a hiccup, sure, but thats worldwide)

[Mav]

Immigration Minister Alex Hawke cancels Novak Djokovic's visa, tennis player to be deported, abc.net.au

[madbluboy]

Australia doesn't deserve a grand slam.

[kruddler]

Immigration Minister Alex Hawke cancels Novak Djokovic's visa, tennis player to be deported, abc.net.au

[madbluboy]

So Djokovic was more of a threat to us than Scomo's Hillsong orgies?