Political leaders are among those mourning a former Labor strategist as a man accused of assaulting him outside a nightclub faces a likely manslaughter charge.
Tim Picton was rushed to hospital after suffering a serious head injury outside the venue in Northbridge, in Perth's inner city, early on December 27.
The 36-year-old was found unconscious after striking his head on the pavement and was subsequently placed on life support.
His death was confirmed on Monday by his family who described him as an "adoring father" who brought joy to the lives of his loved ones.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese led tributes to Mr Picton, a former political strategist who advised state and federal politicians and helped guide WA Labor to a landslide 2021 election victory.
"He helped the Labor Party win because he wanted Labor governments to change the country for the better," Mr Albanese said on social media.
"Tim should have had many more decades ahead of him. That he has been taken from the world so young is such a cruel tragedy."
Mr Picton's alleged attacker, 20-year-old Brodie Jake Dewar, has been charged with grievous bodily harm and remanded in custody.
He is next due to appear in court on February 6, when it is expected his charge will be upgraded to manslaughter.
Mr Picton, whose brother is South Australian Health Minister Chris Picton, was described as highly-respected in Labor circles.
"Chris loved his brother deeply," South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas said in a statement.
"The bond they shared was evident to everyone who knew them. At this incredibly difficult time, our government and our parliamentary team will wrap our arms around Chris and his loved ones and offer every support we can.
"Above all, Tim was known as a kind, thoughtful and generous person. He formed deep friendships across the labour movement and beyond, and he will be dearly missed."
Western Australian Premier Roger Cook said Mr Picton's death marked a "deeply sad day" for the state and nation.
"Not only was he deeply respected within Labor, he was a good mate to many in the party," Mr Cook wrote on social media.
"We will miss his friendship, warmth and thoughtfulness dearly."
Mr Picton's family said they were "devastated by the loss of our beloved Tim".
"Tim was a deeply devoted father and loving husband, son, grandson, brother and uncle. His kindness, generosity and humour brought joy to our lives," the family said in a statement.
"We have been deeply moved by the outpouring of love and respect from friends and colleagues across Australia.
"We will be forever proud of Tim’s many extraordinary achievements and capacity for love, while knowing that he still had so much to give.
"Above all, Tim was an adoring father to four-year-old Charlotte, the love of his life. It breaks our hearts to know that Charlotte will grow up without her father by her side."
Mr Picton had previously worked as an advisor for Senator Don Farrell in the Gillard government, then in the office of former Victorian premier Daniel Andrews.
After leaving politics, he joined Perth-based mining services company Mineral Resources as an executive in 2022.
The mining industry paid tribute to Mr Picton as an "essential touch point" on all major issues in the sector.
“Although Tim had only been in the resources sector a short time, he had already made a very big impact," the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies said in a statement.
