Independent MP Nick McBride from MacKillop, located in South Australia’s south-east, aims to seek re-election despite facing a domestic violence charge. McBride, who was absent from Wednesday’s hearing at the Naracoorte Magistrates Court due to parliamentary commitments, stands accused of three counts of assault against his wife, Katherine, a claim he strongly denies.
The legal proceedings pertaining to the charges have been adjourned, with a pre-trial conference scheduled for October 22. McBride, aged 55 and residing in Robe, was previously a member of the Liberal Party until he left in 2023, opting to sit on the crossbench. His office confirmed to the Australian Associated Press that he intends to run for re-election in the state elections set for March next year.
Having first appeared in court in May, McBride has yet to enter a plea regarding the allegations. He expressed to the ABC in June that he expects the court case to drag on into mid-2024, while reaffirming his commitment to seeking another term in office. “I believe it’s going to be a challenging task, but I entered politics with the intention of serving at least two or three terms,” McBride stated. He remains resolute, asserting that personal challenges will not deter him from his political ambitions.