Murderer loses legal bid to overturn Vegemite prison ban
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 26 Oct, 02:01 · Archive
A murderer's court challenge to overturn a ban on Vegemite in Victorian prisons has been dismissed.
Andre McKechnie sued the Department of Justice and Community Safety and Corrections after being refused Vegemite in prison. He claimed the refusal breached his human right to 'enjoy his culture' as an Australian, telling the Victorian Supreme Court: 'Without being able to consume Vegemite, I feel deprived of being able to practice my Australian culture, sad and disconnected from my family and community.'
Vegemite has been banned in Victorian prisons since 2006. Prison authorities cited two reasons: concerns it interferes with narcotic detection dogs, and its yeast properties, which could potentially be used to brew alcohol.
The court dismissed McKechnie's case on Monday, finding no infringement of his right to adequate food. Justice Claire Harris acknowledged that Vegemite might be regarded as part of Australian culture and that human rights protections could extend to certain foods. However, she ruled the prohibition was justified by prison authorities' obligations relating to security, good order, safe custody and prisoner welfare.
How it is being reported
- Murderer Andre McKechnie loses bid to overturn Vegemite prison ban after claiming human rights violationA murderer unable to eat Vegemite behind bars has lost a case arguing he was being denied his human right to enjoy his culture as an Australian.Perth Now · 26 Oct, 01:39
- Murderer fails to overturn Vegemite prison banA murderer unable to eat Vegemite behind bars has lost a case arguing he was being denied his human right to enjoy his culture as an Australian.The West Australian · 26 Oct, 01:39
In this story: Andre McKechnie · Victorian Supreme Court · Corrections Victoria · Victoria · Justice Claire Harris
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