A decision to approve taxpayer-funded Ozempic injections for triple murderer Erin Patterson while she is incarcerated has ignited widespread public anger in Australia.
Patterson, 51, is serving a life sentence at the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre in Melbourne after being convicted of murdering her former in-laws, Don and Gail Patterson, and Gail's sister, Heather Wilkinson. The three died in July 2023 after consuming death cap mushrooms served by Patterson at her home in Leongatha, Victoria. Patterson was also found guilty of attempting to murder Heather's husband, Ian Wilkinson, who survived the poisoning.
Patterson, who has maintained her innocence, is currently appealing her conviction. She was found guilty of murder and attempted murder following an 11-week trial. Her appeal is based on several grounds, including claims of a substantial miscarriage of justice. The Director of Public Prosecutions has also appealed the sentence length, seeking a full life sentence without parole.
The controversy erupted when reports surfaced that Patterson, described as a self-confessed binge eater, was approved for Ozempic, a weight-loss medication, reportedly due to being "isolated and unable to exercise" in prison. The cost of Ozempic, while subsidized for eligible patients with type 2 diabetes, still represents a financial burden on taxpayers.
Australian actress Madeleine West publicly criticized the decision, drawing a parallel with other instances of public funds being allocated to convicted individuals. "While Australian families are doing it tough, convicted murderers are getting taxpayer-funded cosmetic medication and convicted child predators are getting NDIS funding," West stated.
Department of Justice and Community Safety officials defended the prescription, stating that inmates' access to such medications is determined by medical advice and clinical need, often to prevent serious health conditions like type 2 diabetes. "Prescriptions are only given by clinicians when there's a clear medical need – like preventing serious conditions such as type 2 diabetes," a spokesperson said.
Patterson's personal history of struggling with binge eating and body image issues was brought up during her trial as she explained her actions following the fatal meal, which included consuming several pieces of cake before vomiting.
This is not the first instance of a convicted murderer receiving Ozempic in prison. Alicia Schiller, serving 16 years for the murder of her housemate, has also been prescribed the drug after gaining weight in custody. Schiller's victim's mother expressed dismay at the news, calling it "absolutely ridiculous" and a waste of taxpayer money.
Officials have previously defended the use of such medications for inmates, arguing that preventing serious illness can save taxpayer money in the long run. "Prevention and preventing serious illness, actually will save the taxpayer in the long run," stated Minister Nick Staikos previously.