MP Nick McBride vows to fight on despite assault charges
The Coorong district’s representative in state parliament is persevering with his re-election bid, and now has a Labor opponent.
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Embattled independent MP Nick McBride has vowed to continue his bid for re-election despite being locked up for 10 days over the Christmas and new year period.
Mr McBride was arrested and charged with aggravated assault on December 27, in connection with an incident at a property in the South East on the previous day.
He had already been awaiting a trial on three other charges of assault against his estranged wife, Katherine.
But after his release on Tuesday, he insisted that he would continue to serve as a state MP.
“Despite the unproven allegations I am defending, I am determined to continue in my role as the Member for Mackillop and seek re-election at the coming election,” he said in a statement.
“The conditions of my release do not prevent me from working, with ongoing approval from the relevant authorities.”
He thanked the “many people” from across the electorate who he said had expressed their support, and said he looked forward to telling his side of the story.
- Get help: Call the Domestic Violence Crisis Line on 1800 737 732, or Murray Mallee Adelaide Hills Domestic Violence Service on 8228 8960; or, in an emergency, dial 000.
Labor names its candidate
Meanwhile, Labor has named its candidate for Mackillop, the electorate which includes Tailem Bend and Wellington East: Millicent-based mediator Mark Braes.
Mr Braes, formerly the Mayor of the Wattle Range district, was also the party’s candidate in 2022.
In a statement, he said he was passionate about providing locals with a genuine choice “in contrast to a party that has taken them for granted”.
That was presumably a reference to the Liberal Party, which Mr McBride stood for before quitting to become an independent in 2023.
Robe-based business owner Rebekah Rosser will be the Liberals’ candidate this time around.
Murray Bridge News is not aware of any other candidates, including from One Nation or the Greens, at this stage.
- More information: Visit www.sa.alp.org.au or follow Mark Braes – Labor for Mackillop on Facebook.
