Prisoner Sues Victoria Over Vegemite Ban

Andre McKechnie, a 54-year-old prisoner serving a life sentence for murder in Australia — Victoria, Australia, has filed a lawsuit against the Australia — Department of Justice and Community Safety and Australia — Corrections Victoria. He is challenging the ban on Vegemite in Australia — Victorian prisons, claiming it breaches his human right to 'enjoy his culture as an Australian' under the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act, and that it violates the Corrections Act by failing to provide adequate food for his well-being. Vegemite has been banned since 2006 due to concerns it interferes with narcotic detection dogs and its yeast content could be used to produce alcohol. The case is scheduled for trial next year. Victims of crime advocate John Herron has called the lawsuit frivolous and offensive.