Tributes as SA Minister’s brother dies after alleged street assault
SA’s Health Minister has written a heart-breaking tribute to his former Labor strategist brother as leading political figures – from the Premier to party stalwart Don Farrell – share their own sadness over the news.
SA Health Minister Chris Picton has released a heart-breaking tribute to his brother Tim, a former Labor strategist turned mining executive, who died after spending several weeks in hospital following an alleged assault in Perth.
Tim Picton, 36, was rushed to hospital after suffering a serious head injury outside a licensed premises in the West Australian capital early on December 27.
He was found unconscious at the scene after striking his head on the pavement and was subsequently placed in an induced coma.
Picton’s family told how they were “devastated by the loss of our beloved Tim”, Chris Picton sharing his deep sadness on the loss of his brother.
| This is the hardest thing I have ever had to write.
This morning we lost our brother Tim — Godfather to my son, Best Man at my wedding, uncle to my children, and above all, husband to Priya and father to my beautiful niece Charlotte. Whether it was running an election campaign, securing a mining deal, travelling the world, building magnetic tile castles or breeding fish, Tim never did things by halves — he always gave 200 per cent. His razor-sharp strategic mind and natural charisma meant he was always two steps ahead of everyone else. But above all, the most important thing to Tim was being a dad. The happiest I ever saw him was when he was with Charlotte. In the years ahead we will make sure Charlotte knows just how much Tim adored her, and share with her all the precious memories we have of them together. While Tim had already achieved so much, there was still so much more he would have done. The past three weeks has been the worst of our lives. My parents, Tim’s wife, my sister, my wife and Tim’s many friends have been with him, wishing our love would conjure a miracle. It has been a nightmare we wish we could wake from. Holding his hand for the past three weeks I have struggled to comprehend that we won’t go together to another Crows game, we won’t debate another election ad, we won’t share another Christmas pudding and we won’t watch our kids playing together again. It’s a feeling of overwhelming sadness. While nothing can change what has happened, I wholeheartedly thank the doctors and nurses of the Royal Perth ICU, who supported us at his bedside and did everything they could to save Tim. And thank you to everyone, from far and wide, who has reached out to support us and to share your stories and your love of Tim. Chris Picton |
A joint statement from the family said; “Tim was a deeply devoted father and loving husband, son, grandson, brother and uncle. His kindness, generosity and humour brought joy to our lives”.
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“We have been deeply moved by the outpouring of love and respect from 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.
“Above all, Tim was an adoring father to four-year-old Charlotte, the love of his life. It breaks our hearts to know that Charlotte will grow up without her father by her side.”
A former political strategist, Picton played a key role in guiding WA Labor to a landslide 2021 election victory, in which the opposition Liberal Party was left with just two seats.
The strategist also worked as an advisor for SA Senator Don Farrell in the Gillard government, then in the office of former Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews.
Farrell told of being “truly heartbroken at the tragic loss of Tim Picton”.
“Our hearts are with his wife Priya, his daughter Charlotte, his parents and siblings, together with all those that called him a friend and colleague.
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“Many stories will rightly be told of Tim’s strategic brilliance, his stubborn dedication, and incredible intellect.
“To me, he will always be the driven young man who joined my office all those years ago, who remained a trusted friend ever since.
“Rest in eternal peace.”
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas said he was “deeply saddened” by the news.
“On behalf of the Government of South Australia and the Parliamentary Labor Party, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Minister Chris Picton, a close friend, trusted colleague and highly respected member of our Cabinet and Parliamentary team,” he said.
“Above all, Tim was known as a kind, thoughtful and generous person. He formed deep friendships across the labour movement and beyond, and he will be dearly missed. His loss will be felt across our broader Labor family and by all those whose lives he touched.
“This is an unimaginably difficult time for those who knew and loved Tim, especially his family.
“Tim will be remembered with great warmth, respect and affection by those who had the privilege of knowing him.”
Blair Boyer has been acting Health Minister over the past few weeks, alongside his portfolios of Education and Police.
Picton’s alleged attacker, 20-year-old Brodie Jake Dewar, has been charged with grievous bodily harm. He is next due to appear in court on February 6.
– with AAP
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