South Australian Health Minister Chris Picton Opens Up on Brother's Tragic Death and Family's Enduring Grief
In his first interview since the tragic passing of his brother, South Australian Health Minister Chris Picton has spoken candidly about the profound impact of the loss on his family, describing it as "the hardest thing" they have ever faced.
A Family Forever Changed by Sudden Loss
Chris Picton revealed the devastating moment he received the phone call that his brother Tim was being rushed into hospital surgery, with doctors warning he might not survive. "The shock that we had on that Saturday morning still haunts me and my family to this day," he shared emotionally. The former Labor strategist, Tim Picton, aged 36, was found unconscious outside a James Street nightclub in Northbridge in late December and later passed away in mid-January after never regaining consciousness.
"This has been a nightmare that we keep thinking how we're going to wake up from," Picton continued. "It's been very, very difficult for us all to face there's a hole in our family that's never, ever going to be filled." He emphasised that while many people experience grief, this particular loss has created a permanent void for his family.
Final Christmas Connection and Lasting Legacy
The minister disclosed that his last conversation with Tim occurred on Christmas Day via FaceTime, a day that held special significance for their family. "The last time I spoke to Tim was actually on FaceTime on Christmas Day, talking to him and Charlotte with our kids around Christmas lunch," he recalled. Tim's four-year-old daughter Charlotte represents his most important legacy, according to her uncle.
"Tim's number one legacy is going to be Charlotte," Picton stated. "She is like a Tiny Tim, she's got the spark, got the determination that Tim has." He noted that while Charlotte recently turned four, the full impact of losing her father may not yet be apparent, but it will undoubtedly affect her throughout her life.
Heartbreaking Organ Donation Disappointment
In a particularly poignant revelation, Chris Picton shared that his brother was a registered organ donor who had clearly expressed his wish to donate his organs. However, due to the coronial process required for investigation, this was not possible. "There are so many heartbreaking things as part of this, but one of them was when we found out that because of the coronial process, he wasn't able to be an organ donor," he explained.
The family had hoped that some good could emerge from the tragedy through organ donation, as Tim had explicitly wanted. "I'm so sad, we are all so sad that that could not happen for Tim," Picton expressed, noting that he has met other families who found solace in knowing their loved one's organs helped others.
Legal Proceedings and Bail Concerns
Brodie Jake Dewar, aged 20, has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the incident, with expectations that the charge will be upgraded to manslaughter. Dewar is scheduled to appear in court again in February. Chris Picton expressed surprise that Dewar was initially granted bail, despite police objections.
"I have to say I was pretty shocked that that first bail application that the police made where the police very clearly said they wanted bail to be refused," he stated. "They very clearly said that they believed this person was to be a risk to the community. I'm shocked that the magistrate allowed bail to happen." Bail was subsequently revoked during a hearing for another alleged assault involving Dewar.
Community Remembrance and Moving Forward
Tim Picton was remembered last month in a memorial service at Optus Stadium in Perth, attended by family, friends, and former colleagues. As the Picton family continues to navigate their grief, Chris Picton's interview provides a raw and honest account of their ongoing struggle with this profound loss. The tragedy has highlighted not only personal family devastation but also broader community concerns about violence and legal processes.
