Labor rejects election preference deal for MP Nick McBride amid domestic violence allegations
Labor has been forced to distance itself from any preference deals for an MP who has denied serious DV charges, after a former colleague unleashed a blistering attack in parliament.
Labor has ruled out preferencing an independent MP facing domestic violence charges after a Liberal challenged the government on the issue in state parliament.
Directing political votes to Nick McBride suggests political advantage is “more important” than women’s safety, his former Liberal colleague David Pisoni told parliament on Tuesday.
Mr McBride, 55, of Robe, is charged with attacking estranged wife Katherine, 53, at the family’s $2.3m Conmurra property in the state’s South East.
Mr McBride, a father-of-two, is yet to plead to six aggravated counts of committing assault against his own child or spouse, but denies the allegations.
He has refused to quit as the independent MP for the Limestone Coast seat of MacKillop but has resigned as chairman of his family’s pastoralist empire.
On Tuesday, MPs heard claims from Mr McBride’s former Liberal colleague that he would receive preference votes from Labor at March’s state election.
Speaking under parliamentary privilege, retiring MP Mr Pisoni questioned Premier Peter Malinauskas and Labor’s interactions with Mr McBride, who he alleged was “not suitable to continue serving as the member for MacKillop”.
“Political parties are not passive actors in elections – they are in it to win,” Mr Pisoni told parliament.
“But preferencing a candidate facing severe domestic violence charges signals to the community that political advantage is more important than the safety and dignity of women.
“It undermines the moral authority of the party and erodes public confidence in its stated values.”
Mr Pisoni said Labor refusing to intervene “effectively says that you believe allegations of violence against women are negotiable, tolerable and politically irrelevant. That is unacceptable”.
“A political party cannot credibly hold itself to a lower standard of ethics than a private business,” he said.
“Preferences are not a neutral administrative action, they are an endorsement and substantially increase the candidate’s chances of being elected, therefore placing them in a position of power.”
Labor party state secretary Aemon Bourke said the party had ruled out preferencing Mr McBride, and called on the Liberals to do the same with former premier David Speirs if he runs.
“The Liberal Party must rule out preferencing convicted drug supplier and former Liberal leader David Speirs.”
Mr McBride was contacted for comment.
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Originally published as Labor rejects election preference deal for MP Nick McBride amid domestic violence allegations
