A prominent Australian Labor Party strategist is fighting for his life in a Perth hospital after an alleged assault by a young apprentice following a night out.
Victim Faces Lifelong Disability After Alleged Attack
Tim Picton, 36, the brother of South Australian Health Minister Chris Picton, remains in an induced coma at Royal Perth Hospital. The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning outside a pub in Northbridge. Picton allegedly suffered a serious assault, causing him to fall and strike his head on the pavement.
He sustained a fractured skull and multiple brain bleeds, requiring emergency surgery where part of his cranium was removed to relieve pressure. The Perth Magistrates Court heard that if he survives, Picton may face a lifelong disability as a result of his injuries.
Apprentice Granted Bail Under Strict Conditions
Brodie Jake Dewar, a 20-year-old apprentice, was arrested nearby and charged with one count of grievous bodily harm. He appeared in court on Sunday, where the magistrate granted him bail despite warning of a "high likelihood of imprisonment".
Dewar's lawyer told the court her client had no prior criminal record, aside from two traffic offences in 2023. She claimed Picton had been harassing Dewar's cousin before the alleged attack, and that Dewar had reacted after fearing he was about to be hit.
His bail conditions, which extend until his next court appearance in February, are stringent. They include:
- A strict curfew from 7pm to 7am.
- A ban on consuming alcohol.
- A prohibition on leaving Western Australia.
Dewar left court supported by family, wearing a blue jumpsuit and ignoring questions from reporters.
A Respected Political Strategist and Family Man
Tim Picton is a well-known and influential figure within Labor circles. He played an instrumental role in guiding WA Labor to its landslide 2021 state election victory, which left the opposition with just two seats. He has previously worked as an advisor for Senator Don Farrell in the federal Gillard government and in the office of former Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews.
More recently, he took up a role as strategy director for mining company Mineral Resources. In a family statement released on Sunday, he was described as a "much loved father, husband, brother and son, as well as a friend to so many across Australia."
The statement thanked medical staff, police, friends, and colleagues for their support during this "incredibly difficult time," adding that the family is focused entirely on being with him.
Western Australian Premier Roger Cook and South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas both expressed their thoughts for Picton and his family. Premier Cook posted on social media that "the whole Labor team are thinking of him."
In the wake of the incident, WA Police Assistant Commissioner Martin Haime issued a stark reminder to New Year's Eve revellers, stating that violent behaviour will not be tolerated and warning about the consequences of split-second decisions. "The community is absolutely tired of seeing this level of violence," he said.
