Labor strategist Tim Picton fighting for life after assault

The brother of a state health minister and a prominent Labor strategist was placed in a medically induced coma after he was left fighting for his life in an alleged attack.

Tim Picton remains in a critical condition in Perth Hospital following a violent incident in Perth’s CBD in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Police were called to a licensed premises at the intersection of James Street and Mountain Terrace in Northbridge at 5.30am on Saturday morning.

They discovered that Mr Picton had allegedly been hit and lost consciousness, hitting his head on the pavement.

He was rushed to the hospital where he remained in a coma.

Mr Picton is a prominent member of WA’s political and mining communities and is widely regarded as one of the strategists behind the state’s former premier Mark McGowan’s landslide victory in 2021.

He has since worked as director of strategy for mining giant MinRes and is the brother of South Australian Health Minister Chris Picton.

A 20-year-old teenager has been charged with causing grievous bodily harm over the alleged attack.

Brodie Jake Dewar was released on bail on Monday and his lawyer told a Perth court that Mr Picton had made unwanted advances towards his cousin before the incident.

Mr Picton’s family released a statement following the incident, saying they were “fully focused on being with him and supporting each other”.

“Tim is a much-loved father, husband, brother and son, as well as a friend to many across Australia,” they wrote.

“We would like to sincerely thank St John Ambulance, the Royal Perth Hospital medical team and WA Police for their care, professionalism and support.

“We would also like to thank Tim’s friends and colleagues for their compassion for our family during this incredibly difficult time.

“We ask for privacy as we move forward in the coming days.”