Nick McBride

See how we've assessed them for all policy statements included in the Build a Ballot tool. Want to suggest a revision? Send us an email at tool@buildaballot.org.au

Policy

Evidence of support

Support level

Policy

Streamline planning approvals for strata developments that meet good design standards in well-located areas

Evidence
Response to Build a Ballot SA 2026: We need fewer unnecessary regulations and a more efficient approvals process. The building code has already been cut down significantly from its former 24,000‑page size, but more streamlining is needed, especially for good‑quality strata developments in well‑located areas
Support
Strongly support
Policy

Establish a fund to purchase land for housing and underwrite apartment construction projects

Evidence
Response to Build a Ballot SA 2026: Investor‑backed funds should be directed toward supporting housing developments in our regions. The reality is that many regional housing projects don’t currently stack up financially, and government underwriting is essential to bridge that gap and encourage new construction. "Right the way along, the member for MacKillop has been a very strong advocate whether he was on the opposition front bench or now on the crossbench, a very strong advocate for people in regional South Australia. We know the regions face a really tough set of situations: high building costs, unusual financing arrangements thrust upon them by the banks..." https://www.nickmcbride.com.au/parliament/question-time/regional-housing
Support
Strongly support
Policy

Build more social housing to reduce the public housing waitlist and plan for future demand

Evidence
Response to Build a Ballot SA 2026: Public housing has declined over the past 30–40 years, and the consequences are clear. Rebuilding social housing supply is critical to reducing homelessness and meeting community need "Housing shortages make it harder for regional towns to attract and retain essential workers. In Bordertown, new key worker housing is helping support teachers, health workers, police, and local employers — a practical step toward keeping services strong and communities growing." https://www.instagram.com/p/DTudCWoDjUe/
Support
Strongly support
Policy

Cap rent increases in line with CPI

Evidence
Response to Build a Ballot SA 2026: I don’t support CPI-based rent caps. Government should avoid interfering in the economic settings that encourage private investment in housing, as this could unintentionally reduce supply
Support
Oppose
Policy

Remove stamp duty for eligible first homebuyers on existing homes and older South Australians downsizing to smaller homes

Evidence
Response to Build a Ballot SA 2026: Reducing stamp duty could help first homebuyers and downsizers, but we need to be careful. Past government incentives have unintentionally driven up prices because they didn’t address the real issue, a shortage of housing stock. Any policy change needs to support buyers while also increasing supply "The biggest problem with MacKillop is that we really do lack developers, we really do lack home builds in any sort of great quantity. I do not think that saving first-home buyers the stamp duty is going to help much in MacKillop, but I can see the intent. I know that first-home buyers obviously would be struggling with the cost of purchase of new homes, we know that interest rates are going up and we know that everything has become more expensive, so this is a help. Certainly, if there are those big extensive builds around Mount Gambier, I think those buyers are going to appreciate this initiative." https://www.nickmcbride.com.au/parliament/speeches/nick-mcbride-responds-budget-2024
Support
Somewhat support
Policy

Prohibit new residential gas connections from a specified date

Evidence
Response to Build a Ballot SA 2026: I oppose restricting new gas connections. Government shouldn’t interfere with the energy market, as doing so can undermine efficient and affordable outcomes for households.
Support
Oppose
Policy

Introduce measures such as grants to encourage landlords to install solar panels on rental properties

Evidence
Response to Build a Ballot SA 2026: I support the concept, but even with grants, the costs may put some landlords off. We need to ensure the policy doesn’t reduce rental supply
Support
Somewhat support
Policy

Set minimum energy efficiency standards for rental properties (covering heating, cooling, hot water, shower heads, ceiling insulation and draughtproofing) from a specified date

Evidence
Response to Build a Ballot SA 2026: I oppose this because it would increase costs for landlords and likely reduce the availability of rental housing
Support
Oppose
Policy

Establish a fund to support more strata properties to connect to shared solar panel and battery systems, Virtual Power Plants and solar gardens

Evidence
Nick McBride MP has announced his support for Virtual Power Plants for regional communities as a powerful solution to increasing energy demand and the challenges posed by severe weather and old grid networks https://www.nickmcbride.com.au/application/files/4717/6178/3614/MacKillop_Strategic_Roadmap_2025-2028.pdf
Support
Strongly support
Policy

Increase investment in green spaces, prioritising high-risk communities

Evidence
Response to Build a Ballot SA 2026: I strongly support this. Some regional areas still lack adequate access to clean and reliable water, so minimum standards are essential
Support
Somewhat support
Policy

Legislate a minimum standard of access to clean, safe and affordable water

Evidence
Response to Build a Ballot SA 2026: I strongly support this. Some regional areas still lack adequate access to clean and reliable water, so minimum standards are essential
Support
Strongly support
Policy

Establish clear, coordinated responsibilities across departments and agencies for preparing and responding to climate-related disasters (such as algal blooms, heatwaves, bushfires, flooding and droughts) and increase long-term multi-year funding for these activities

Evidence
Response to Build a Ballot SA 2026: I strongly support better coordination across agencies. Working together is essential to achieving the best outcomes for communities facing climate‑related disasters, and long‑term funding is key "In light of the recent deadly algal bloom impacting South Australia’s coastline, Independent Member for MacKillop Nick McBride has renewed his call for the establishment of a Coorong Field Research Station at Woods Well.
“It would provide critical on-site capabilities to test and analyse water quality and enable a rapid response to current and emerging threats like algal blooms and the H1N1 virus in wildlife populations,” he said." https://sevoice.com.au/knowledge-is-power-in-addressing-potential-environmental-outbreaks/
Support
Strongly support
Policy

Expand fully protected zones and increase investment in acquiring and restoring high biodiversity land, freshwater and ocean ecosystems to protect under the National Parks and Wildlife Act

Evidence
Response to Build a Ballot SA 2026: While coordination is important, government needs to prioritise foundational issues, particularly housing before committing additional funds and structures toward environmental initiatives. The basics must be addressed first.
Support
Oppose
Policy

Introduce a levy on plastic waste to encourage manufacturers to find alternatives and reduce waste generation

Evidence
Response to Build a Ballot SA 2026: A levy would place additional costs on manufacturers and, in turn, households. It would be more effective for government to strengthen recycling and waste‑management systems across the state, including in regional communities where services are often limited.
Support
Oppose
Policy

Increase funding for childcare services to build new centres and expand existing centres

Evidence
Nick McBride MP has announced his support for building new childcare centres, especially in rural and remote areas, through public-private partnerships and government incentives to reduce waitlists and improve access https://www.nickmcbride.com.au/application/files/4717/6178/3614/MacKillop_Strategic_Roadmap_2025-2028.pdf
Support
Strongly support
Policy

Invest in inclusive school facilities for students with autism and provide extra support services (such as psychologists and speech pathologists) for students experiencing disadvantage

Evidence
Response to Build a Ballot SA 2026: Extra support services and inclusive facilities greatly improve outcomes for children, and regional areas struggle to attract allied health professionals. Any investment that brings these services into our schools would be highly beneficial.
Support
Strongly support
Policy

Invest in more apprenticeships, university scholarships, upskilling courses and technical colleges to support students to pursue skilled careers

Evidence
Response to Build a Ballot SA 2026: With industries evolving rapidly, our education system must keep pace. Investing in modern training facilities, upskilling courses, and practical learning pathways will prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow while keeping education affordable and accessible.
Support
Strongly support
Policy

Fully cover all public school costs for families including materials and services charges and fees for extracurricular activities during school hours

Evidence
Response to Build a Ballot SA 2026: Families already receive a $200 per‑child payment toward public school costs, and School Card is available for those experiencing financial hardship. Fully covering school fees could be valuable, but it should be targeted to families who need it most through an application‑based approach
Support
Somewhat support
Policy

Increase funding for infrastructure upgrades at schools, preschools and childcare centres

Evidence
Nick McBride MP has proposed to let schools spend up to $100,000 to manage their own infrastructure maintenance at their discretion https://www.nickmcbride.com.au/application/files/4717/6178/3614/MacKillop_Strategic_Roadmap_2025-2028.pdf "I know that in MacKillop our education facilities do need upgrades. We see that there was $6 million rolled out towards Mount Gambier High. I am looking forward to the day when we see some millions rolled out towards Naracoorte, Lucindale, Penola, Naracoorte South, Millicent and any other school that is obviously being left behind with old infrastructure that is no longer meeting its needs." https://www.nickmcbride.com.au/parliament/speeches/nick-mcbride-responds-budget-2024
Support
Strongly support
Policy

Commit to 100% renewable energy generation, increase investment in large-scale renewable energy infrastructure, and implement measures to ensure responsible delivery (such as benefit sharing guidelines and payment schemes)

Evidence
Response to Build a Ballot SA 2026: We need an energy system that is affordable, reliable and efficient before committing to major renewable targets. "In the dark hours of night, when there is no wind, guess what? There is no solar and no wind in the system, but you can turn on a nuclear switch and you can produce power reliably. The rest of the world is doing it, and we should follow suit." https://www.nickmcbride.com.au/parliament/speeches/nick-mcbride-speaks-nuclear-energy-motion-parliament
Support
Oppose
Policy

Phase out subsidies for fossil fuel companies

Evidence
Response to Build a Ballot SA 2026: We need an energy system that is affordable, reliable and efficient before reconsidering major subsidy changes
Support
Oppose
Policy

Strengthen state planning and environment laws to stop new gas approvals and expansions

Evidence
Response to Build a Ballot SA 2026: Strengthening laws to protect vital environmental resources—especially water—is important to ensure they are not put at risk.
Support
Somewhat support
Policy

Increase recruitment and retention incentives (such as relocation packages and bonuses) for healthcare professionals, particularly in regional areas

Evidence
Response to Build a Ballot SA 2026: I fully support increasing incentives to attract and retain healthcare professionals. Regional communities consistently struggle to secure enough doctors, nurses and specialists, so stronger incentives would greatly improve access to essential services
Support
Strongly support
Policy

Build new mental health assessment units at major hospitals

Evidence
Response to Build a Ballot SA 2026: These units should also be built at major regional hospitals, as regional communities urgently need improved mental health services
Support
Strongly support
Policy

Expand the remit of Preventative Health SA and increase funding for its programs

Evidence
Response to Build a Ballot SA 2026: Increasing funding- may not be the best use of money. We need to ensure the money that is already there is being spent efficiently. "Preventative health and wellness— especially among our young people— must be a priority, and I support extending dental concessions to age 25 as so many other illnesses are linked to poor dental health." https://www.nickmcbride.com.au/application/files/4717/6178/3614/MacKillop_Strategic_Roadmap_2025-2028.pdf
Support
Somewhat support
Policy

Remove payroll tax on GPs and provide funding to support GPs to extend their opening hours

Evidence
Response to Build a Ballot SA 2026: I somewhat support this, but I’m not convinced it will fix GP shortages. The bigger issue is getting more GPs into the workforce.
Support
Somewhat support
Policy

Protect South Australia’s current abortion laws and continue to treat abortion as a healthcare service

Evidence
Response to Build a Ballot SA 2026: Women should be able to make their own choices and be properly supported by the healthcare system.
Support
Strongly support
Policy

Provide rebates for pre-IVF fertility testing and fertility treatments

Evidence
Response to Build a Ballot SA 2026: Every Australian family deserves the opportunity to have a family, and rebates would help make fertility treatment more accessible
Support
Strongly support
Policy

Increase investment in network of EV charging infrastructure, particularly in rural and regional South Australia

Evidence
Response to Build a Ballot SA 2026: Investment should grow as the need increases, particularly in regional areas
Support
Somewhat support
Policy

Increase investment in road maintenance to address South Australia’s increasing backlog

Evidence
Nick McBride MP has announced he will push for full upgrades and permanent fixes as part of a transparent, long-term road maintenance plan https://www.nickmcbride.com.au/application/files/4717/6178/3614/MacKillop_Strategic_Roadmap_2025-2028.pdf "However, in the local area around the Limestone Coast, for example—and it may follow on to other regional areas—we are seeing a lot of damaged vehicles, busted rims and tyres, due to holes and the road breaking up due to the winter that we have just been through." https://www.nickmcbride.com.au/parliament/question-time/regional-roads
Support
Strongly support
Policy

Increase investment in public transport infrastructure and services to improve the frequency and reliability of public transport across South Australia

Evidence
Nick McBride MP has announced his support for high speed rail from Adelaide to Melbourne and expanding community bus services https://www.nickmcbride.com.au/application/files/4717/6178/3614/MacKillop_Strategic_Roadmap_2025-2028.pdf
Support
Strongly support
Policy

Introduce a 50 cent flat fare for all public transport trips

Evidence
Response to Build a Ballot SA 2026: We also need public transport in the regions. Currently there are no linkages between towns within MacKillop. While 50 cent fares are great, we need public transport in the regions- fullstop. "Ensuring more services for towns within MacKillop. More subsidised travel in line with metropolitan subsidies; an introduction of a program similar to the ‘regional fare cap’ applied in Victoria." https://www.nickmcbride.com.au/application/files/4717/6178/3614/MacKillop_Strategic_Roadmap_2025-2028.pdf
Support
Strongly support
Policy

Increase investment in active transport infrastructure to deliver on South Australia’s Walking Strategy and Cycling Strategy

Evidence
Response to Build a Ballot SA 2026: Preventative health is crucial, and investing in walking and cycling infrastructure helps support healthier communities
Support
Strongly support
Policy

Increase funding for evidence-based early intervention and community support programs

Evidence
Response to Build a Ballot SA 2026: Early‑intervention and community support programs are vital for improving safety and delivering better outcomes for communities
Support
Strongly support
Policy

Raise the minimum age of criminal responsibility to 14

Evidence
Response to Build a Ballot SA 2026: Raising the age to 14 helps ensure young people receive support, not punishment, at a critical stage in their development.
Support
Strongly support
Policy

Provide grants to businesses and councils for security measures such as CCTV, alarm and intercom systems, lighting, fences and gates

Evidence
Response to Build a Ballot SA 2026: Evidence shows that practical measures like CCTV, lighting and alarms can significantly reduce crime and improve community safety
Support
Strongly support
No items found.