The family of Tim Picton, a prominent Labor Party identity, have thanked emergency services after he was left in a critical condition following an alleged assault in the Perth CBD.

Mr Picton, who played a crucial role in WA Labor’s 2021 landslide victory, was found unresponsive on the ground in the entertainment precinct of Northbridge about 5:30am on Saturday.

A 20-year-old Lesmurdie man has been charged with one count of grievous bodily harm over the incident, which happened near the intersection of James Street and Mountain Terrace.

Cars parked in front of venues.

The alleged assault happened in Northbridge. (ABC News: Glyn Jones)

Mr Picton, 36, was taken to Royal Perth Hospital with life-threatening injuries.

“Tim remains in hospital in a critical condition,” Mr Picton’s family said in a statement.

“As a family, we are focused entirely on being with him and supporting one another.

“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.

“Tim is a much loved father, husband, brother and son, as well as a friend to so many across Australia.”
Anthony Albanese and Tim Picton are both smiling as they stand side by side.

Tim Picton pictured with Anthony Albanese. (Supplied: WA Labor)

Politics and mining

Mr Picton is a prominent member of Perth’s political and mining communities and was currently working as director of strategy for mining giant MinRes.

Tim Picton, Mark McGowan and Ellie Whiteaker stand with their arms around each other.

Tim Picton with former WA Premier Mark McGowan and WA Senator Ellie Whiteaker in 2022.  (Facebook: WA Labor)

He worked for former Victorian premier Dan Andrews before moving to WA, where he was appointed WA Labor’s state secretary and campaign director in 2020, and played a crucial role in getting Mark McGowan re-elected in 2021.

He is the brother of Chris Picton, the Health Minister in South Australia. 

Chris Picton wears glasses and a suit as he stands in a park with traffic behind him.

Tim Picton is the brother of Chris Picton, the South Australian Health Minister.  (ABC News)

South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas has extended a message of support to his colleague and Mr Picton’s family.

“I have spoken to Minister Picton, my thoughts are with his family first and foremost,” Mr Malinauskas said.

“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 and 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.”

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