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Prisoner Challenges Vegemite Ban in Court Battle

11/18/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Andre McKechnie, a prisoner serving a life sentence for murder in Melbourne, is challenging a Vegemite ban in prisons and suing Victoria’s Department of Justice and Corrections Victoria.
Vegemite has been banned since 2006 due to concerns it could be used to smuggle drugs.
Critics, including victims' advocate John Herron, call the suit frivolous, and the case is set for trial next year.

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Story summary

Andre McKechnie, a prisoner serving a life sentence for murder in Melbourne, is challenging a Vegemite ban in prisons and suing Victoria’s Department of Justice and Corrections Victoria.
Vegemite has been banned since 2006 due to concerns it could be used to smuggle drugs.
Critics, including victims' advocate John Herron, call the suit frivolous, and the case is set for trial next year.