MELBOURNE, December 21, 2023 - Tennis Australia has announced new security screening measures for media personnel who will have access to specific areas of the venue called the Player Restricted Zone at the 2024 Australian Open. 

According to an email sent by Tennis Australia's media office, domestic media who are Australian citizens or residents will need to provide evidence of a current National Police Check obtained within the last two years. The email does not state what information on the check would disqualify a journalist from being provided accreditation or access to the event. 

COST The cost of the police check is AUD 50.  

The email also stated that the requirement of a police check is in line with the practice of many major events, but AIPS is unable to identify any other major international event organised by FIFA, FIA, UCI or the Olympic committee that require journalists and media to obtain a police check at their own cost. The other three Grand Slam events do not require media to provide a police check as a prerequisite for accreditation. 

AIPS President Gianni Merlo said: “Never before have our members been subject to such an accreditation requirement. AIPS is unable to identify any other major international event organised by FIFA, the IOC ,FIA, or UCI that require journalists and media to obtain a police check at their own cost”.  

Merlo said the unreasonable requirement of Tennis Australia added to the already rising costs of covering important sporting events and affected especially freelance media.  

Tennis Australia was approached for comment.