Archive · 18 Nov 2025
Murderer Challenges Australian Prison Vegemite Ban
A man in prison for murder is suing the Australian state of Victoria because he can't eat Vegemite, a popular spread in Australia.
He says it's part of his culture.
The prison banned Vegemite because inmates used to hide drugs in it.
A victims' advocate thinks the lawsuit is disrespectful to families of crime victims.
Convicted murderer Andre McKechnie sues Australian state over Vegemite ban in prisons
McKechnie claims ban breaches his human right to enjoy Australian culture
Vegemite banned since 2006 due to drug smuggling and alcohol production concerns
Victims' advocate criticizes lawsuit, saying it's offensive to victims' families
McKechnie serving life sentence for 1994 murder of Otto Kuhne
- Who
- Andre McKechnie, a convicted murderer
- What
- is suing the Australian state of Victoria over a prison ban on Vegemite
- When
- The case is scheduled for trial in 2023
- Where
- Victorian prisons, Australia
- Why
- McKechnie claims the ban breaches his human right to enjoy his culture as an Australian
Prisoner's Right to Cultural Expression
Victims' Rights and Prison Safety
Vegemite Ban
Prisoner's Right to Cultural Expression
McKechnie argues that denying him Vegemite infringes on his cultural rights
Victims' Rights and Prison Safety
Prison authorities maintain the ban is necessary for security reasons
Victims' Rights
Prisoner's Right to Cultural Expression
McKechnie's lawyer argues that his client's rights are being violated
Victims' Rights and Prison Safety
Victims' advocate John Herron believes the lawsuit is offensive to victims' families
- Spread in question
- Vegemite
- Year of Vegemite ban in Victorian prisons
- 2006
- Prison where McKechnie is currently held
- Port Phillip Prison
- Year McKechnie committed the murder
- 1994
- Victim's name
- Otto Kuhne
