Taxpayers could foot $100k bill for assault-accused MP's re-election bid
Independent MP Nick McBride, who is currently on home detention bail for the alleged assault of his wife, could receive around $100,000 in public funding to support his re-election campaign, according to the state's electoral commission.
Independent MP Nick McBride, who is currently on home detention bail for the alleged assault of his wife, is entitled to $100,000 in taxpayer funding for his re-election campaign, according to the state's electoral commission.
The former Liberal MP and wealthy grazier, who represents the South East seat of MacKillop, told the ABC he was "aware of the public funding entitlement" and had "made an application for advanced funding, as I am entitled to do".
Mr McBride can access $80,000 before the election as advanced funding "split across two payments of $60k and $20k", according to Electoral Commission of South Australia (ECSA) manager of compliance Dan Moriarty.
The remaining $20,000 would be paid after the election, ECSA said.
Mr McBride is facing charges of aggravated assault of his wife and breach of bail after an alleged incident at Conmurra on December 27.
His lawyers have said the allegations are "denied and disputed" and will be "vigorously defended".
The 56-year-old was last week released on strict home detention bail conditions — including wearing an ankle monitor — but has vowed to run again at March's state election.
Mr McBride reiterated his statement from last week that "in our country any person charged with an offence is entitled to the presumption of innocence".
"As these are unproven allegations, I am entitled to stand at the next election, as I have not been found guilty of any offence," he said in a statement.
Nick McBride says he will use the funding to keep voters informed "about my plans for our community". (ABC News)
"I am working through the legal process, which I hope will clear my name."
Mr McBride said he would be using the "government specified allocated funds appropriately" to ensure voters "are kept informed about my plans for our community".
"I have one of the largest electorates in the state, this allocation helps me to get my message across to all voters so they can cast their vote with confidence," he said.
"I am conscious this is public money and will ensure that it is used in line with the legislation."
Funding comes after donations ban
Mr McBride's campaign money is partly a result of the Malinauskas government's decision to increase public funding for parties and candidates.