Save this article for later<\/p>\n
Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime.<\/p>\n
Got it<\/p>\n
A prominent member of WA\u2019s political and mining communities is in hospital in a serious condition after an assault in Perth\u2019s inner city in the early hours of Saturday morning.<\/p>\n
![\"Tim](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/d92d5faa0cf8ad6090fd18a10b184d5833ae348b0eac4df4de178f704e4ec942.jpeg\")
Tim Picton was allegedly assaulted in Perth early on Saturday morning.<\/p>\n
The victim suffered a head injury after being knocked unconscious on the street outside a nightclub in Northbridge.<\/p>\n
The 36-year-old was rushed to Royal Perth Hospital, where he remains in a critical condition and is being treated for life-threatening injuries.<\/p>\n
A WA Police spokesman said a 20-year-old man from Lesmurdie has been charged with grievous bodily harm over the incident. He was remanded in custody and is set to appear in the Perth Magistrates Court today.<\/p>\n
Nine News Perth has identified the victim as Tim Picton, a director at mining giant Mineral Resources.<\/p>\n
In a statement, Picton\u2019s family said he remains in hospital in a critical condition.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs a family, we are focused entirely on being with him and supporting one another,\u201d the statement read.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe would like to sincerely thank St John Ambulance, the medical team at Royal Perth Hospital and WA Police for their care, professionalism and support.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe also want to thank Tim\u2019s friends and colleagues for the compassion they have shown to our family during this incredibly difficult time.<\/p>\n
The family described Picton as a much-loved father, husband, brother and son, as well as a friend to many across Australia.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe ask for privacy as we navigate the days ahead,\u201d the statement read.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will not be making any further public comment at this time.\u201d<\/p>\n
Picton spearheaded the Labor party\u2019s campaign in 2021, which saw Mark McGowan re-elected in a landslide victory.<\/p>\n
He also previously worked for Victorian Premier Dan Andrews and his brother Chris Picton is a Minister in the South Australian government.<\/p>\n
Police say the 36-year-old was assaulted about 5.35am and struck his head on the pavement near the intersection of James Street and Mountain Terrace.<\/p>\n
Officers are urging anyone who saw the incident to come forward.<\/p>\n
Speaking at a press conference on Sunday afternoon, WA Police Assistant Commissioner Metropolitan Region Martin Haime said the incident is a stark reminder that split-second acts of violence can have devastating, life-changing consequences.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe community is absolutely tired of seeing this level of violence. It\u2019s completely unacceptable,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis time of year should be about celebration and enjoyment, not fear of harm. In the lead up to New Year\u2019s Eve, the WA Police Force will have a highly visible presence across Perth and regional entertainment precincts.<\/p>\n
Related Article \u201cThe community can expect to see large numbers of police on foot, bicycles, horses and in vehicles, patrolling in these areas, supported by specialist units and our partner agencies to ensure community safety.<\/p>\n Haigh said police will have no tolerance for anti-social behaviour and violence.<\/p>\n \u201cPolice will act swiftly and decisively and use every legislative power available at our disposal to hold offenders accountable,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cOur priority is absolutely community safety. We want to ensure everyone has celebrations without fear.<\/p>\n \u201cWe encourage the public to cooperate with police directions report suspicious or aggressive behaviour immediately.\u201d<\/p>\n Haigh said police would not be commenting on the circumstances around the alleged assault as the case is before the courts.<\/p>\n Save<\/p>\n You have reached your maximum number of saved items.<\/p>\n Remove items from your saved list<\/a> to add more.<\/p>\n![\"Police](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766953933_507_316f636114118ce66fe256fbb9235fb1ad0526a2.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Hamish](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/07ef20e984b872b4ba7b8d62f82c29b34424604d.png\")
Hamish Hastie<\/a> is WAtoday’s state political reporter and the winner of five WA Media Awards, including the 2023 Beck Prize for best political journalism.Connect via Twitter<\/a> or email<\/a>.Most Viewed in NationalFrom our partners