Salt, Yeast, and Justice

In this episode, we explore the unlikely legal battle of Andre McKechnie, a life-sentenced prisoner at Port Phillip maximum-security prison in Victoria, Australia, who is suing the state over a ban on Vegemite behind bars. McKechnie argues that withholding this iconic, salty spread violates his cultural rights under Victoria’s Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities. Corrections Victoria defends the ban, citing concerns that the yeast in Vegemite could be used to brew illicit alcohol and mask the scent of contraband from sniffer dogs. We’ll examine the situation and its fallout this week. 

This Week’s Featured Hashtag

#TerribleThanksgivingTraditions

Other Interesting Things

Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act

New Zealand Drug Foundation: Can Vegemite be Used to Make Alcohol?

Victoria Correction Contraband Items List