Independent South Australian MP Nick McBride is set to spend the festive season behind bars after being charged with serious domestic violence offences against his wife. The Member for MacKillop will remain in custody until a home detention report is completed, with his next court date scheduled for early January.
Charges and Court Appearance
Nick McBride, 56, was arrested and charged on Saturday, December 16, following police reports of a domestic incident at a property in Conmurra, in the state's South East. Officers were called to the scene around 10.30am. A police spokesperson confirmed a man from Robe was subsequently arrested and charged with aggravated assault, breach of bail, and breaching the terms of an intervention order.
The MP appeared via video link from Mount Gambier in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Monday. Prosecutors argued that due to the nature of the charges, McBride is considered a 'prescribed applicant' for bail. This classification means he is only eligible for bail on home detention and must prove special circumstances to avoid remaining in prison custody while awaiting trial.
Defence Denies Allegations, Points to Financial Stakes
McBride's defence lawyer, Jane Abbey KC, told the court her client 'vigorously denied' the charges. She indicated that the conduct of his wife, Katherine McBride, would come under scrutiny during the trial. Abbey also suggested the alleged crimes occurred within the context of separate, high-stakes court proceedings, stating, '... there is much in the asset pool.'
The magistrate ordered a home detention assessment report. McBride will be held at Mount Gambier Prison until the report is finalised and he next appears in court on January 6. If granted bail at that hearing, he will likely be required to wear a GPS ankle monitor.
Political and Personal Background
Nick McBride was elected as a Liberal MP for the seat of MacKillop in 2018 but quit the party in 2023, citing internal factional tensions and disunity. Before entering politics, he was a grazier and comes from one of Australia's largest landholding families, with holdings exceeding 1.1 million hectares across multiple properties.
Despite the current legal situation, McBride is still slated to contest the next state election, scheduled for March 21, 2026. The case has sent shockwaves through South Australian political circles and raised significant questions about his future.
