Tim Picton, former Western Australian Labor strategist, dies at 36 - Check cause of death and know all about his alleged 20-year-old attacker

Tim Picton, a former Western Australian Labor strategist, has died aged 36 after spending more than three weeks in a critical condition in hospital following an alleged assault outside a Perth nightclub. His death has drawn tributes from across the political spectrum. Picton was highly regarded for his sharp political mind and behind-the-scenes influence, notably spearheading WA Labor’s landslide victory in the 2021 state election. More recently, he served as director of strategy for mining company Mineral Resources. Picton was also known through his family ties as the brother of South Australian Health Minister Chris Picton.


Picton’s family confirmed his death in a statement released on Monday morning, describing him as a deeply devoted father and a loving husband, as well as a cherished son, grandson, brother and uncle. Picton was the father of four-year-old Charlotte, whom his family described as 'the love of his life'.


"We are devastated by the loss of our beloved Tim, who passed away earlier today surrounded by his family," the family's 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."

"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," the statement said.

"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 family said in the statement.

WHO IS BRODIE JAKE DEWAR?

Picton’s alleged attacker, 20-year-old Brodie Jake Dewar, appeared in court last week, where CCTV footage of the incident was shown. The video depicted Picton calmly speaking with a man police allege was Dewar, before Dewar suddenly raised his right arm and punched him in the face.

The incident occurred about 5.35 AM on Saturday, December 27, outside a nightclub at the corner of James Street and Mountain Terrace in Perth’s Northbridge entertainment precinct. Picton was taken to hospital, where he remained in a coma until his death earlier today.

Picton was placed in an induced coma and underwent surgery for a severe brain bleed and a fractured skull. Dewar’s bail was revoked last week after he was charged over a separate alleged Christmas Day incident, with the magistrate describing both assaults as 'coward punches'.

According to ABC News, the court heard the 20-year-old had allegedly knocked a man unconscious in Kalamunda, in Perth’s Hills, just days earlier on Christmas Day, and later posted about the incident on social media.