It all began when a Brisbane newspaper reported that members of dry, indigenous communities in the Northern Territory of Australia were making vegemite-based alcohol in large quantities, using bathtubs and other household equipment.
Vegemite is a common breakfast spread used in all areas of Australia that contains Brewer’s Yeast, an ingredient most commonly used for beer and ale production.
The ban on alcohol in these Aboriginal communities came about due to intense addiction problems. In this particular instance of home brewing, domestic violence issues mostly stemmed from vegemite-based alcohol and some school-age kids were found to be too hung-over to attend school.
Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion has reminded the communities and the media that businesses in areas with alcohol bans are required to report suspicious Vegemite purchasing, especially when regarding large quantities.
While this issue has been reported to be an isolated issue in a limited number of Australian communities, officials have gone as far as discussing a nation-wide Vegemite ban.
However, Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott quickly dispelled all rumors of a Vegemite ban, citing it as a “reasonably nutritious spread” for many Australian people.