Overview
- Andre McKechnie, a 54-year-old convicted murderer, has filed a lawsuit against the State of Victoria seeking access to Vegemite while imprisoned.
- He argues the yeast extract spread forms part of his culture and is protected under the state's human-rights declaration.
- Victoria prisons have banned Vegemite since 2006 over fears it could be fermented into illicit alcohol and used to distract detection dogs.
- The matter is scheduled to be heard in court next year, and no decision has been issued.
- Policies vary across Australia, with Queensland and South Australia also banning Vegemite in prisons while New South Wales permits it.