SA Minister’s brother dies weeks after alleged street assault
A prominent Labor strategist who helped lead his party to a massive state election win has died after he was allegedly assaulted.
Former Labor strategist turned mining executive Tim Picton has died after spending several weeks in hospital following an alleged assault in Perth.
Picton was rushed to hospital after suffering a serious head injury outside a licensed premises in the West Australian capital early on December 27.
The 36-year-old was found unconscious at the scene after striking his head on the pavement. He was subsequently placed in an induced coma.
Picton’s family – including SA Health Minister Chris Picton – said the Mineral Resources executive died on Monday, saying they are “devastated by the loss of our beloved Tim”.
“Tim was a deeply devoted father and loving husband, son, grandson, brother and uncle. His kindness, generosity and humour brought joy to our lives,” the family said in a statement.
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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.
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The brother of South Australian Health Minister Chris Picton, 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.
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.”
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.
