Priya Brown: Widow of former Labor strategist Tim Picton unveils new scholarship in late husband’s name
The widow of former Labor strategist Tim Picton has honoured her late husband as a man who ‘lived his life with remarkable intensity’ in an emotional speech to unveil a new scholar in his name.
The widow of former Labor strategist Tim Picton has honoured her late husband as a man who “lived his life with remarkable intensity” in an emotional speech to unveil a new scholarship in his name.
The 36-year-old had died after injuries sustained in an alleged “coward” punch attack outside a Perth nightclub in late December.
Priya Brown was joined by their four-year-old daughter Charlotte and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on stage at Labor’s 50th National Conference on Thursday to announce the new scholarship.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The award will be targeted at the next generation of Labor campaign leaders to allow them to go on exchange and undertake other personal development opportunities.
“I know Tim would have been deeply humbled by it,” Ms Brown said.
“He would have been absolutely delighted that a scholarship like this now exists.
“One of the opportunities that shaped him came through the Labor International Program, which gave him the chance to volunteer on election campaigns overseas.
“Like everything else he did - he squeezed every last drop out of that opportunity.
“And the opportunities that will now be passed on to the next generation.”
Before her speech in Adelaide a video played with memories from the party of Mr Picton, including audio from some of his previous speeches.
Ms Brown received a standing ovation and was embraced by Mr Albanese, new Labor Federal president Kate Ellis and other party faithful.
While Mr Albanese didn’t speak to the scholarship on Thursday, he has previously paid tribute to the strategist as nothing short of a “remarkable man” who had the potential to sit on the front bench of Federal Parliament.
The PM in January acknowledged the “pivotal role” Mr Picton played in delivering Labor government across state and federal elections, after being the architect of the party’s romping successes in 2021 and 2022.
He also penned a letter to Mr Picton’s four-year-old daughter Charlotte.
The man accused of punching and killing Mr Picton, Brodie Jake Dewar, is expected to reappear in court next month.
The 20-year-old is accused of attacking Mr Picton, 36, in Northbridge, in Perth’s inner city, in the early hours of December 27.
