Nick McBride has apologised to his MacKillop voters and confirmed his political career is over, as a surge toward One Nation reshapes the race.

As of midday March 23, with about 70 per cent of votes counted, Mount Gambier councillor, One Nation’s Jason Virgo was leading on provisional first preference votes, with Liberal candidate Rebekah Rosser close behind.

In an interview with The [Naracoorte] News, Mr McBride conceded defeat and attributed his election loss to a “personal matter” the charges he faces of aggravated assault against his wife and breaching bail following an alleged incident at Conmurra on December 27.

“I am sorry for the outcome, I am sorry that the personal matters have come to the fore and given people concerns and worries, and I am disappointed from a number of aspects be it personal, political, support base, my electoral office staff, family they have all been affected by the process that I am going through and the legal system,” Mr McBride said.

Asked if his political career was over, Mr McBride said: “Yes.”

“I don’t have any feelings about saving myself up to do something else later,” he said.

“I don’t have any ideas at this stage and given any consideration, and I think this is just the feeling I have.

“I think I have had my chance, I have done a year (parliamentary term) in state Parliament. I have to say I was privileged, I was lucky, I have enjoyed it, and I wouldn’t change anything about what I did in politics by being in the Liberals, going independent, and representing the MacKillop seat like I did.”

Reflecting on the result, Mr McBride said he was not surprised by the surge in One Nation support.

“It hasn’t surprised me that One Nation has done very well in these polls,” he said.

“It was very obvious through pre-poll and on polling day. There were a lot of people looking for the orange One Nation ticket… but One Nation certainly dominated that spectacle.”

He said the party’s rise reflected growing frustration with the major parties.

“I think this is the consequence of the national support that’s been found for One Nation after the Bondi issue (shooting), and they have been seen as a political party that is an answer to what people are frustrated about with the main two-party lines Labor and Liberal.

“So, people have shown in the election here in South Australia that One Nation is their alternative and does what they want.”

Mr McBride also pointed to the impact of allegations against him during the campaign.

“Look, I think the allegations certainly played a big role. Sadly, they (voters) haven’t given me the benefit of the doubt, the presumption of innocence until proven guilty, that hasn’t played out at all,” he said.

“It is the whole allegations that I am facing are seen as quite toxic compared to other legal issues that we know other MPs can be embroiled in.

“I think it was just too much to ask the electorate to firstly accept, and secondly give me the benefit of the doubt, and that’s why I think my vote has diminished considerably compared to last time.”

Mr Virgo told this newspaper [The Naracoorte News] the early result pointed to a broader shift in voter sentiment.

“The results in MacKillop and across South Australia reflect two important things: One Nation’s surge in the polls has been confirmed; and many voters in our community have demonstrated they want a representative who puts them and all South Australians first,” he said.

“I’m not taking anything for granted but I want to thank all the volunteers who’ve campaigned with me, and the voters in MacKillop who supported us.”

Ms Rosser said she was grateful for the support received throughout the campaign.

“During the past months, it’s been a privilege to be welcomed into businesses, farms, and homes right across MacKillop,” she said.

“Thank you for your generosity, your honesty and your time. Good policies are built on listening and I’m grateful for every conversation.

“Statewide, the overall result isn’t what the Hurn Liberal team had hoped for, but it’s one we accept with humility. We respect the decision voters have made and the strength of our democratic process.

“Across MacKillop, our communities are driven by resilient, hardworking, entrepreneurial, and community-minded people.

“Whatever the local result, I remain committed to contributing and staying involved in any way I can.”

Statewide, Labor has secured a resounding victory, with premier Peter Malinauskas winning a second term.

With around 70 per cent of votes counted as of midday March 23, Labor was on track to win at least 32 of the parliament’s 47 seats.

The Liberals looked set to win at least four seats, with a further four likely to go to independents.

One Nation appeared poised to claim the seat of Hammond in Murray Bridge, with several other electorates still in the balance including MacKillop.

This article appeared in The Naracoorte News, 25 March 2026.