Labor Figure Tim Picton Dies Three Weeks After Alleged Perth Assault

Former Western Australian Labor strategist Tim Picton has died in hospital more than three weeks after he was allegedly assaulted outside a nightclub in Perth’s CBD, his family confirmed on Monday. He was 36.

Tim Picton had remained in a critical condition after being found unconscious in Perth’s entertainment district of Northbridge in the early hours of December 27. He was taken to hospital following reports of a disturbance outside a licensed venue and remained in a coma until his death.

Picton played a key role in shaping WA Labor’s landslide victory in the 2021 state election and was widely regarded as one of the party’s most influential strategists. At the time of the incident, he was serving as Director of Strategy at Mineral Resources, one of Australia’s major mining companies.

He was also the brother of South Australian Health Minister Chris Picton.

Family pays tribute

In a statement, Picton’s family described 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 surrounded by his family,” the statement said.
“His kindness, generosity and humour brought joy to our lives.”

Picton was the father of a four-year-old daughter, Charlotte, whom the family described as “the love of his life.”

Tributes from leaders and colleagues

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed deep sadness, describing Picton as a “treasured member of the Labor family” who served with “great energy and talent.”

South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas said Picton was “highly respected across the Labor movement nationally,” while former WA Premier Mark McGowan praised his intellect and work ethic, saying “nothing was beyond him.”

Mineral Resources Managing Director Chris Ellison described Picton as an “exceptionally talented and dedicated leader” whose loss would be felt deeply across the organisation.

Charge upgrade expected

A 20-year-old man, Brodie Jake Dewar, had previously been charged with grievous bodily harm over the incident. Following Picton’s death, police are expected to upgrade the charge.

Dewar is currently in custody after being charged over a separate assault, which a magistrate described as a “coward punch.” Prosecutors have alleged a pattern of violent behaviour, with multiple incidents now under investigation.

Tim Picton’s death has sent shockwaves through Australia’s political and business communities, with many describing it as a tragic loss of a talented leader whose life was cut short far too soon.