Today in Perth, a diverse group of mourners, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and two state premiers, came together to pay their respects to Tim Picton, a prominent strategist for the Labor Party.
Picton, who tragically passed away at 36 due to an alleged one-punch incident, was celebrated for his deep loyalty as a father and his sharp political acumen.
Leading the procession into the memorial were Picton’s widow, Priya, and their young daughter, Charlotte, who is just four years old.
The service drew around 750 attendees, featuring a mix of distinguished political dignitaries.
Among them were current and former state and federal parliamentarians from across the political spectrum, alongside notable figures from the business community.
For Chris Picton, South Australia’s minister for health and wellbeing, today was a poignant moment to grieve the loss of his brother.
“Tim could connect with everyone – from the front bar to the boardroom table, from brickies to billionaires, from premiers and prime ministers,” he said during a eulogy.
Among the special mementos given pride of place at the service were his treasured childhood toy monkey Peanut, which he’d passed on to his little girl.
“When Tim was in hospital and not doing so well, at Charlotte’s request, Peanut was placed back with him, to comfort him,” sister Johanna Picton told the congregation.
Tim, the mastermind behind Labor’s 2021 landslide victory, died on Monday, three weeks after an alleged one-punch attack in Northbridge.
“We cannot change the past, or turn back this unspeakable tragedy,” friend Robbie Williamson said at the memorial.
“What we can do is to live out our lives as best we can and as Tim would, with love and with joy.”
Following the service, Albanese revealed he’d written Tim’s daughter a letter.
“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.
Mourners were also asked to write down their special memories of Tim and leave them as a gift for his daughter.
