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Picton, 36, was regarded as the architect of some of WA Labor’s biggest successes, including Mark McGowan’s 2021 election win and federal Labor’s resurgence in the state during the 2022 election.
He left politics in 2022 to work for Mineral Resources as a director, but prior to that also worked with the Victorian and South Australian Labor parties. His brother is South Australian Health Minister Chris Picton.
Picton is also an advisory board member of the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia.
Labor luminaries as well as Picton’s boss Ellison offered public tributes to their former colleague on Monday,
In a statement, Mineral Resources managing director Chris Ellison expressed the company’s profound sadness at Picton’s passing and praised him as an “exceptionally talented and dedicated leader, whose enthusiasm, drive and brilliant mind will leave a lasting legacy.”
“He inspired those around him and his loss will be devastating for colleagues across our business,” he said.
“Tim was a trusted colleague and a friend whose insight and advice I valued greatly. His loss is deeply felt, and I will miss him enormously.”
Premier Roger Cook said the loss would be felt deeply across WA and Australia and he offered his condolences to his family on behalf of the Labor caucus.
“Tim’s commitment to the Labor cause over many years saw him take on the role as State Secretary of WA Labor, leading the party’s victorious 2021 State and 2022 Federal election campaigns,” he said.
“Not only was he deeply respected within Labor, he was a good mate to many in the party. We will miss his friendship, warmth and thoughtfulness dearly.”
WA Labor state secretary Mark Reed said the entire Labor family was mourning the loss of Picton.
“Tim was one of the finest campaigners we have seen in Western Australia. The 2021 State Election Campaign that he directed will go down in history as one of the great election victories,” he said.
“The party will come together in due course to celebrate his life and achievements.
“Tim was always a source of guidance and advice. He was also a dear friend to many. A life like his, cut so tragically short, deserves to live on in our memories and in our actions.”
Picton’s alleged attacker, Jake Dewar, 20, appeared in court last week, where CCTV footage of the incident was played.
It showed Picton standing talking calmly to a man police allege was Dewar, who then raises his right arm and punches Picton in the face.
The altercation happened about 5.35am outside a club at the intersection of James Street and Mountain Terrace in the Perth entertainment precinct of Northbridge.
Picton was placed in an induced coma and underwent surgery for a serious brain bleed and fractured skull.
Dewar had his bail revoked last week after being charged over another incident which allegedly occurred on Christmas Day, with the magistrate describing both attacks as “coward punches”.
