January 23, 2026 — The nation’s political and business elite gathered at Optus Stadium in Perth on Friday to bid farewell to Tim Picton, a prominent Labor election strategist and Mineral Resources director. The memorial service drew nearly 750 attendees, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, former Western Australia Premier Mark McGowan, current WA Premier Roger Cook, and South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas.
Tim Picton, originally from South Australia, passed away earlier this week following an alleged assault in Northbridge in December. The incident left him with a severe brain injury, and he never regained consciousness. His wife, Priya Brown, and their four-year-old daughter, Charlotte, were among those who mourned his untimely death.
A Life Remembered
Tim’s sister Jo and brother, South Australian Health Minister Chris Picton, shared heartfelt tributes during the service. Jo reminisced about their childhood, describing Tim as the “missing piece” that completed their family. She recalled his early years with affection, noting his protective nature despite being the younger sibling.
“When he arrived, he completed our family. Chris and I felt it instantly. He was the missing piece,” Jo said. “It pains me to no end that no matter how hard we championed him when the tables were turned in the last few weeks, we could not protect him.”
Chris Picton shared a poignant anecdote about Tim’s recent discussions with his wife regarding their wills and funerals. He humorously noted Tim’s wish for his funeral to be a mix of tears and joy, reflecting his vibrant personality and ability to connect with people from all walks of life.
“Tim could connect with everyone, from the front bar to the boardroom table, from brickies to billionaires,” Chris said. “He was a shining star of our Labor family and one of the greatest national talents of this generation.”
Political Legacy
Tim Picton was instrumental in some of Western Australia Labor’s most significant achievements, including Mark McGowan’s 2021 election victory and the federal Labor resurgence in the state during the 2022 election. His strategic acumen and ability to forge genuine connections were widely acknowledged by colleagues and political opponents alike.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, speaking before the event, expressed his admiration for Tim’s contributions to the Labor Party and his successful transition to the private sector. He emphasized the importance of Tim’s legacy for his young daughter, Charlotte.
“I want Charlotte, when she grows up, to know exactly how much her dad was loved by everyone who came into contact with him,” Albanese said. “He led the Labor Party here with dignity, with intellect and with vision.”
A Personal Farewell
In a deeply personal moment, Priya Brown read “Funeral Blues,” a poem that held special significance for Tim. She shared that Tim had researched the poem’s origins after watching “Four Weddings and a Funeral” multiple times, appreciating its satirical roots in a 1936 play.
“On behalf of the fact that Tim loved vanquishing political rivals, on behalf of the love that my daughter and I have for him, this is Funeral Blues,” Priya said.
The service was attended by nearly all state and federal WA Labor MPs, alongside senior members of the Liberal Party, highlighting Tim’s broad influence across the political spectrum. WA Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas, WA Senator Michaelia Cash, and WA Liberal President Caroline De Russo were among those present.
Looking Forward
The memorial for Tim Picton not only celebrated his life and achievements but also underscored the impact of his work on Australian politics. As the nation reflects on his legacy, the loss of such a dynamic figure serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing connections with loved ones.
As the community mourns, discussions about safety and violence prevention have gained renewed attention, with calls for increased measures to prevent similar tragedies. The coming weeks are likely to see further tributes and reflections on Tim Picton’s lasting influence on both the political landscape and those who knew him personally.
