Andre McKechnie loses court bid for Vegemite in Victorian prisons
A life prisoner's Supreme Court challenge to overturn a Vegemite ban in Victorian prisons has been rejected by Justice Claire Harris.
Andre McKechnie, serving a life sentence at Barwon Prison in Victoria, has lost his court battle to access Vegemite. Supreme Court judge Claire Harris rejected his argument that the ban breached his human rights and his need for cultural wellbeing.
Vegemite has been banned in Victorian prisons since about 2006. Prison authorities argued it could be used to make alcohol and would distract sniffer dogs from detecting contraband.
Justice Harris ruled that the law does not require prisons to provide foods of cultural significance, only those necessary for health and wellbeing. McKechnie, who is Jewish, receives Kosher meals including prepared salads and hot dinners.
The case drew international attention, with outlets including the BBC and New York Times covering it. Vegemite is also banned in prisons in Queensland, South Australia, and Tasmania, though some New South Wales prisoners can purchase it.
- Andre McKechnie
- Prisoner
- about 2006
- Ban established
- Claire Harris
- Judge
- Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania
- Also banned in
Why it mattersConfirms that prisons must provide adequate nutrition but are not legally obliged to offer culturally significant foods.
AustraliaSets a precedent for Australian prisons, limiting claims to cultural food access in custody.
Corroborated bycedarnews.net
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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