Australian prisoner wanted Vegemite ban overturned, but court tells him there is no human right to the spread
Prisoner’s rights challenge fails
McKechnie, a convicted murderer, argued that prison authorities breached his human rights by refusing to let him have Vegemite. He said the spread was part of his culture as an Australian.
The court dismissed his case on Monday. It found the refusal did not infringe his right to food sufficient for his health and wellbeing.
Court backs the restriction
The judge said the ban was a proportionate measure taken by authorities. She described the specific decision to deny McKechnie access to Vegemite as reasonable and demonstrably justified.
Why Vegemite is prohibited
Vegemite has been prohibited in Victorian prisons since 2006. Corrections Victoria lists concerns that the spread could interfere with narcotic detection dogs. Authorities also identified its yeast properties as a possible means of brewing alcohol. Vegemite was developed in Melbourne in 1923 as an alternative to Britain’s Marmite.
Key points
- McKechnie’s challenge to Victoria’s prison Vegemite ban was dismissed.
- He argued the restriction denied his right to enjoy his culture as an Australian.
- The court found the ban justified and consistent with his right to adequate food.
- Victoria prohibited Vegemite in prisons in 2006 over detection-dog and alcohol-brewing concerns.