Convicted Killer Fights for Vegemite in Australian Prison Diet Lawsuit
A convicted murderer is contesting an Australian state’s ban on Vegemite in prisons. Andre McKechnie, aged 54, claims that this prohibition violates his human rights to embrace his cultural identity as an Australian. He has taken his case to the Supreme Court of Victoria against the Department of Justice and Community Safety, along with Corrections Victoria, which oversees prisons.
Details of the Lawsuit
The trial is set for next year. McKechnie is seeking a court declaration to affirm that his rights have been infringed under the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act. He states that the absence of Vegemite violates his right to enjoy his culture. Additionally, he is requesting a ruling that the Corrections Act has been breached due to the failure to provide adequate food for his well-being.
Background on Vegemite’s Ban
Vegemite has not been allowed in Victorian prisons since 2006. The primary reason given by Corrections Victoria is that the spread interferes with narcotic detection dogs. Inmates reportedly used Vegemite to mask the scent of illicit drugs, while its yeast content poses a risk of being fermented into alcohol.
Vegemite’s Cultural Significance
- Manufactured in Australia since 1923
- Considered a staple source of vitamin B
- Often spread on toast or used in cheese sandwiches
Vegemite is a beloved food item for many Australians, although it is often described as an acquired taste for those not raised with it. Notably, former U.S. President Barack Obama once remarked, “It’s horrible.” Moreover, the Australian band Men at Work gained international attention with their song “Down Under,” which mentions a “Vegemite sandwich.”
Government’s Position and Public Reaction
The Department of Justice and Community Safety, along with Corrections Victoria, have opted not to comment on the ongoing legal proceedings. Generally, government agencies refrain from discussing matters currently before the court.
Some advocates, including crime victims’ lawyer John Herron, criticize the lawsuit as frivolous. Herron argues that it undermines the rights of victims’ families, emphasizing the focus on the rights of the perpetrator over those affected by crime. He described McKechnie’s demands as an unnecessary privilege that disregards the suffering of victims.
McKechnie’s Criminal Background
Currently, McKechnie is located in maximum-security Port Phillip Prison. He was convicted for the murder of Gold Coast property developer Otto Kuhne in Queensland in 1994. Serving a life sentence, he transitioned from the Queensland to the Victorian prison system a decade later. He has previously spent eight years on parole before returning to prison, where he has been held for the past ten years.
As this case progresses through the judicial system, the outcome could have implications beyond McKechnie, influencing dietary regulations and human rights considerations within the Australian prison system.
