Tim Picton, a prominent former Labor strategist, has died after spending weeks in a critical condition following an alleged assault outside a Perth nightclub. He was 36.
Mr Picton played a key role in WA Labor’s 2021 state election campaign, which delivered a landslide victory, and later contributed to the party’s 2022 federal election effort. He most recently served as director of strategy at mining company Mineral Resources. He was the brother of South Australian Health Minister Chris Picton.
Western Australian Premier Roger Cook said Mr Picton’s death would be felt widely.
“My thoughts go to Tim Picton’s family and friends on this deeply sad day. His loss will be felt deeply across WA and Australia,” Mr Cook said.
“On behalf of the Government and the whole Labor caucus, I extend our deepest condolences to Tim’s wife Priya, daughter Charlotte, parents Fiona and Michael, siblings Chris and Johanna, and his friends, workmates and extended family. This will be a difficult time for them all.”
Mr Cook said Mr Picton’s long service to the party had shaped major election victories.
“Tim’s commitment to the Labor cause over many years saw him take on the role as State Secretary of WA Labor, leading the party’s victorious 2021 State and 2022 Federal election campaigns,” he said.
“Not only was he deeply respected within Labor, he was a good mate to many in the party. We will miss his friendship, warmth and thoughtfulness dearly.”
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.”
Mr Picton’s death follows weeks in a critical condition after an alleged assault outside a Perth nightclub. A 20-year-old man, Brodie Jake Dewar, has been charged in connection with the incident. The matter remains before the courts.
The family thanked friends and colleagues across Australia for their support and said they were “forever proud of Tim’s many extraordinary achievements and capacity for love, while knowing that he still had so much to give”.
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,” they said.
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas said Mr Picton was widely respected across the Labor movement.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Tim Picton following the shocking incident in Perth late last year,” Mr Malinauskas said.
“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 spoke of the bond between the brothers.
“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 also extended condolences to Mr Picton’s wider family.
“We also extend our deepest condolences to Tim’s mum Fiona, dad Michael, sister Johanna, wife Priya, daughter Charlotte, colleagues, friends, and all who are mourning his passing. We cannot imagine the pain they would be going through at this time.”
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. After 14 years in politics and government, he moved into the private sector.
“Above all, Tim was known as a kind, thoughtful and generous person,” Mr Malinauskas said. “He formed deep friendships across the labor 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.”
“Tim will be remembered with great warmth, respect and affection by those who had the privilege of knowing him.
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