Can Andre McKechnie, the convicted murderer, eat Vegemite in prison?

No, Andre McKechnie is currently banned from eating Vegemite in the Victorian prison system, as the spread has been prohibited since 2006 due to concerns over drug smuggling and alcohol production.

Why did the Australian government intervene in a "Vegemite-gate" dispute in Canada?

In April, the Australian government intervened when Canadian officials temporarily prevented a Toronto-based cafe from selling Vegemite, as the product failed to comply with local regulations on food packaging and vitamin fortification.

What is the iconic Australian spread that McKechnie is fighting for?

The spread at the center of this legal battle is Vegemite, a yeast-based spread that has been manufactured in Australia since 1923 and is considered a beloved part of Australian culture.

Home / Crime and Justice / Convicted Murderer Sues for Right to Eat Vegemite in Prison

Convicted Murderer Sues for Right to Eat Vegemite in Prison

18 Nov

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Summary

Convicted murderer suing Australian state over Vegemite ban in prisons
Claim: Denying Vegemite breaches his "right to enjoy his culture as an Australian"
Vegemite banned in Victorian prisons since 2006 due to drug smuggling concerns

Convicted Murderer Sues for Right to Eat Vegemite in Prison

As of 2025-11-18T06:19:53+00:00, a convicted murderer named Andre McKechnie is taking legal action against the Australian state of Victoria over its ban on prisoners consuming Vegemite. The 54-year-old inmate has filed a lawsuit in the Supreme Court of Victoria, arguing that denying him access to the iconic yeast-based spread breaches his human right to "enjoy his culture as an Australian."

McKechnie, who is currently held at the maximum-security Port Phillip Prison, was sentenced to life in prison for a 1994 murder in Queensland. He has spent the past decade in custody in the Victorian prison system after being transferred from Queensland a decade ago.

The Vegemite ban in Victorian prisons has been in place since 2006, with authorities citing concerns that inmates were using the spread to conceal illicit drugs and interfere with narcotic detection dogs. Vegemite is also prohibited due to its potential to be used in the production of alcohol, which is considered contraband.