The family of a former Labor strategist, who helped guide his party to a landslide election win, is rallying around him as he fights for his life following an alleged assault.
Tim Picton was found unconscious outside a licensed premises in Perth about 5.30am on Saturday after Western Australian police received reports of a disturbance.
The 36-year-old had been assaulted and fell, striking his head on the pavement, police said.
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Mr Picton was rushed to Royal Perth Hospital for serious and life-threatening injuries and remains in a critical condition.
A 20-year-old man from Lesmurdie has been charged with one count of grievous bodily harm.
He has been refused bail and was due to appear before Perth Magistrates Court on Sunday.
Mr Picton’s family has thanked medical staff and police for their professionalism and support, as well as his friends and colleagues for their compassion during the “incredibly difficult time”.
“As a family, we are focused entirely on being with him and supporting one another,” the family said in a statement.
“Tim is a much loved father, husband, brother and son, as well as a friend to so many across Australia.”
The former political strategist played an instrumental role in guiding WA Labor to their landslide 2021 election victory, where the opposition Liberal party was left with just two seats.
He is also the brother of South Australian Health Minister Chris Picton.
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas said he had spoken to his minister and sent his thoughts to the family.
“It’s hard to know, at these early stages, exactly what’s happened to Mr Picton’s brother, but he is unwell and in a serious condition,” Mr Malinauskas said on Sunday.
“My thoughts are with Mr Picton and Chris, and his beautiful family.”
Tim Picton worked as an advisor for Senator Don Farrell during the Gillard government, then in the office of former Victorian premier Daniel Andrews before directing WA Labor’s 2021 campaign.
He has since taken up a role as strategy director for mining company Mineral Resources.
