A convicted murderer who claims his human rights have been violated because he cannot access Vegemite in prison has been told not to expect special treatment as he pursues the matter in court.
Andre McKechnie is seeking to overturn a long-standing ban on Vegemite in Victorian prisons, arguing that the restriction infringes on his human rights and prevents him from enjoying an important part of Australian culture.
The popular spread was reportedly banned from Victorian correctional facilities about a decade ago due to concerns that it could be used in the production of homemade alcohol, potentially affecting prison drug and alcohol monitoring systems.
Representing himself in court, McKechnie also complained that prison staff had refused to witness legal documents, claiming he had been subjected to unnecessary hardship when attempting to prepare his case.
“They get to pick and choose my evidence by saying we’re not going to sign this,” McKechnie told the court.
However, Judicial Registrar Katherine Lorenz reminded him that he must follow established legal procedures and reserve his arguments for trial.
“You will have your day in court… you’re no different to any other prisoner,” Lorenz said.
McKechnie is currently serving a sentence for the 1994 murder of Gold Coast land developer Otto Kuhne, who was found fatally stabbed at his home.
Appearing via video link from the maximum-security Barwon Prison, McKechnie presented his arguments while dressed in prison uniform.
Although he is representing himself, the legal proceedings are expected to cost taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars.
The case is scheduled to proceed to a Supreme Court trial next month, where McKechnie will formally argue that the Vegemite ban breaches his rights.