‘Tragically sad day’: Former WA Labor strategist Tim Picton dies after alleged nightclub assault in Perth

Tim Picton, a prominent former Labor strategist, has died after spending weeks in a critical condition, following an alleged assault outside a Perth nightclub. Mr Picton, 36, played a key role in WA Labor’s 2021 state election campaign, helping secure a landslide victory, and most recently served as director of strategy at mining company Mineral Resources. He is the brother of South Australian Health Minister Chris Picton. Brodie Jake Dewar, 20, has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the December incident, during which Mr Picton was allegedly knocked unconscious. Mr Picton’s family confirmed his death on Monday, describing him as a “deeply devoted father and loving husband, son, grandson, brother and uncle”. “We are devastated by the loss of our beloved Tim, who passed away earlier today surrounded by his family,” the statement said. “His kindness, generosity and humour brought joy to our lives. Tim – we love you, we miss you and we will always carry your memory with us.” The family also expressed gratitude for the support shown by friends and colleagues across Australia. “We will be forever proud of Tim’s many extraordinary achievements and capacity for love, while knowing that he still had so much to give,” they said. Mr Picton was the father of four-year-old Charlotte, whom his family described as “the love of his life”. “It breaks our hearts to know that Charlotte will grow up without her father by her side, but she will always know how deeply he loved her,” the statement said. South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas paid tribute to Mr Picton, remembering his distinguished career in politics and his deep connections across the Labor movement. Mr Picton served in Federal, South Australian, and Victorian Labor governments before leading WA Labor’s successful 2021 state election campaign and contributing to the 2022 federal election. “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Tim Picton following the shocking incident in Perth late last year,” Mr Malinauskas said. He also offered his condolences to Mr Picton’s brother, Chris, describing him as “a close friend”. “Chris loved his brother deeply. The bond they shared was evident to everyone who knew them. At this incredibly difficult time, our Government and our Parliamentary team will wrap our arms around Chris and his loved ones and offer every support we can,” he said. Mr Malinauskas said Mr Picton was “highly respected” nationally across the Labor movement. “Above all, Tim was known as a kind, thoughtful and generous person. He formed deep friendships across the Labor movement and beyond, and he will be dearly missed. “Tim will be remembered with great warmth, respect and affection by those who had the privilege of knowing him. “May he rest in peace.” Speaking on Sky News, Perth MP Patrick Gorman described Tim Picton’s death as “heartbreaking”, explaining it affected not just the WA Labor family but “the entire Australian Labor Party”. “36 years old, someone who contributed so much, not just to the Labor Party, which we love, but also to creating jobs for others in the mining industry whose work with Mineral Resources,” Mr Gorman said. “It is heartbreaking for Tim’s family, and I pass on my condolences to them, and the circumstances are tragic and completely unacceptable that anyone experienced that violence.” He said Mr Picton’s contributions continue to resonate in the two governments he played a key role in building. “There are outstanding individuals in parliament, in ministerial roles, because of Tim Picton’s work. “Just to everyone who knew and loved Tim, it’s a tragically sad day.” More to come.