A prominent member of the nation’s political and mining communities remains in hospital in a serious condition after an assault in Perth’s inner city, while his alleged attacker has been released on strict bail conditions.
The victim suffered a head injury after being knocked unconscious on the street outside a nightclub in Northbridge in the early hours of Saturday morning.
9 News Perth has identified the victim as Tim Picton, a director at mining giant Mineral Resources and a former political advisor for the Labor party in South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia.
The 36-year-old was rushed to Royal Perth Hospital, where he remains in a critical condition and is being treated for life-threatening injuries.
Brodie Jake Dewar, 20, has been charged with grievous bodily harm over the incident.
He faced Perth Magistrate’s Court on Sunday where he was granted bail under strict conditions, including surrendering his passport and being told not to consume alcohol.
Despite having no previous criminal history except for traffic convictions, WA Police prosecutors opposed bail for the Lesmurdie man due to the serious nature of the injuries suffered by the victim.
The court was told that Picton was in an induced coma after the alleged attack and had undergone surgery at Royal Perth Hospital with a serious brain bleed and a fractured skull, with a high probability that he’ll have a lifelong disability due to the injury.
According to his LinkedIn profile, Picton began his career in politics in 2009 working in the office of Adelaide MP Amanda Rishworth before taking up a role with South Australian Senator Don Farrell.
He then became an advisor to the South Australian health minister in 2013. He moved to the office of Dan Andrews during his time as Victorian premier, serving as his principal advisor and later as director of strategic communications. His brother Chris Picton is a Minister in the South Australian government.
Picton went on to become WA State Labor Secretary and campaign director in February 2020 where he held the role for more than two years and spearheaded the party’s campaign in 2021, which saw Mark McGowan re-elected in a landslide victory.
He took up the position of executive general manager of corporate affairs at MinRes in July 2022, before being named as the director of strategy for the company the following year.
Picton is also an advisory board member of the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia.
In a statement, Picton’s family said he remains in hospital in a critical condition.
“As a family, we are focused entirely on being with him and supporting one another,” the statement read.
“We would like to sincerely thank St John Ambulance, the medical team at Royal Perth Hospital and WA Police for their care, professionalism and support.
“We also want to thank Tim’s friends and colleagues for the compassion they have shown to our family during this incredibly difficult time.
The family described Picton as a much-loved father, husband, brother and son, as well as a friend to many across Australia.
“We ask for privacy as we navigate the days ahead,” the statement read.
“We will not be making any further public comment at this time.”
Police say Picton was assaulted about 5.35am and struck his head on the pavement near the intersection of James Street and Mountain Terrace.
Officers are urging anyone who saw the incident to come forward.
Speaking at a press conference on Sunday afternoon, WA Police Assistant Commissioner Metropolitan Region Martin Haime said the incident is a stark reminder that split-second acts of violence can have devastating, life-changing consequences.
“The community is absolutely tired of seeing this level of violence. It’s completely unacceptable,” he said.
“This time of year should be about celebration and enjoyment, not fear of harm. In the lead up to New Year’s Eve, the WA Police Force will have a highly visible presence across Perth and regional entertainment precincts.
“The community can expect to see large numbers of police on foot, bicycles, horses and in vehicles, patrolling in these areas, supported by specialist units and our partner agencies to ensure community safety.
Haigh said police will have no tolerance for anti-social behaviour and violence.
“Police will act swiftly and decisively and use every legislative power available at our disposal to hold offenders accountable,” he said.
“Our priority is absolutely community safety. We want to ensure everyone has celebrations without fear.
“We encourage the public to cooperate with police directions report suspicious or aggressive behaviour immediately.”
WA Premier Roger Cook took to Facebook to express his support for Picton and his family.
“Carly and my thoughts are with former Labor State Secretary and our mate Tim Picton, who is in a serious condition in hospital,” he wrote.
“The whole Labor team are thinking of him and his family during this difficult time.”
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas also extended his support for SA Health Minister Chris Picton at a press conference after being asked about the alleged assault on his brother Tim.
″My thoughts are with Mr Picton and Chris and his beautiful family, and we’ll wait to hear more as details emerge from Western Australia,” he said.
