MacKillop MP Nick McBride returned to SA parliament after being charged with assault

A state MP charged with three counts of assault against his wife returned to state parliament today.

South Australian independent MP Nick McBride returns to state parliament. Picture: Keryn Stevens

Wealthy landowner and Independent MP Nick McBride – who has been charged with three counts of assault against his wife – returned to a frosty reception in state parliament today.

Few spoke to Mr McBride when he entered the building for question time but there was some discussion when lower house MPs held a break in proceedings after a tribute to former Liberal MP Stewart Leggett, who died on April 11.

The Limestone Coast MP, who is part of the McBride family that owns large swathes of Australian agricultural land, has been charged with multiple counts of assault against his wife Katherine.

It is understood Mr McBride attended Norwood police station earlier this month where he was subsequently charged with three counts of assault on a person known to him.

Question Time – South Australian independent MP Nick McBride (centre). Picture: Keryn Stevens

In parliament, he asked about the timeline for completing a new $18m police station in Naracoorte at 31 Smith Street, and was told by Police Minister Stephen Mullighan that construction would begin soon and completed in late 2027.

Mr McBride issued a short statement after question time saying: “This is a private matter that is currently before the courts”.

“I am here to continue my work as the Member for MacKillop. I will be making no further comment while this process continues.”

Mr McBride was elected to parliament in 2018, running for the Liberal Party in the state’s southeast seat of MacKillop.

Former Liberal MP Nick McBride at his offices on Grenfell St, in Adelaide CBD before becoming an independent. Pictured in 2023. Picture: Ben Clark

He quit the Liberal Party in 2023 to sit as an independent, citing “dark forces” and “divisive factionalism” were at work within the party.

SA Police confirmed that a 55-year-old man from the Limestone Coast was arrested on 10 April at Norwood, charged with three counts of assault on a person known to him and that he was bailed to appear in the Naracoorte Magistrates Court on May 7.

Mr McBride has continued to work in his electorate attending sporting events and the Keith Show recently.

He has an electorate office in Naracoorte and plans were underway to open a second electorate office – thought to be in Tailem Bend.

A spokesperson for Special Minister of State Kyam Maher said the government provided additional electorate offices for large regional electorates.

“Work has been underway for some months to establish a second electorate offices for MacKillop, which stretches from Meningie to Lameroo to Naracoorte,” the spokesperson said.