Roger Cook to consider new pub rules for WA after Labor figure Tim Picton’s death

The Cook Government will consider lockout laws or new closing time rules for WA pubs and nightclubs on the back of an alleged one-punch attack that killed a former Labor powerbroker. The Premier said on Tuesday the death of the party’s former secretary Tim Picton was the result of a “violent and senseless act” and vowed he would review whether tougher laws were needed. The 36-year-old father — regarded as the brains behind former leader Mark McGowan’s meteoric rise in popularity — died on Monday morning, weeks after he was allegedly hit outside a Northbridge club in the early hours of the morning. Tributes have flowed for the respected political figure since, with Anthony Albanese among those continuing to pay respects on Tuesday. “Tim Picton was not only very effective as a political operator. As a human being, he was remarkable. He was full of joy,” the Prime Minister said in Parliament. “I have no doubt that he would have one day sat on at least this front bench, had his life not been cut so short by that act of violence on December 27.” Also speaking on Tuesday, Roger Cook said “nothing’s off the table” when asked if new efforts to combat alcohol-fuelled violence could include lockout regulations for venues. Controversial laws were introduced in Sydney in 2014 that saw final entry at 1.30am and 3am for last drinks, but the lockouts were scrapped in 2021. “We’ll get advice from the police as to what else we can do to keep people safe,” the Premier said. “When you have that cocktail of alcohol, of night night-time activity, and particularly in the wee hours of the morning, they can lead to dangerous situations. “So I think there’s more that we can do to look at the circumstances in which people disperse . . . to try to make that safer.” The WA Government took action five years ago after the death of Giuseppe “Pep” Raco from a one-punch attack, banning violent offenders from protected entertainment precincts, such as Northbridge, Fremantle and Scarborough. The maximum penalty in WA for unlawful assault causing death was doubled to 20 years in prison in 2016. Mr Cook called Mr Picton’s death a loss to the nation and an incredibly sad moment for the Labor party, under horrible circumstances. “This guy’s life was cut down at the age of 36,” Mr Cook said. “As a result of that, young Charlotte now will be left wondering what happened to her father? Priya has lost her best friend, and of course, Fiona and Michael have lost their son. “We’ll miss his friendship, warmth and thoughtfulness dearly.” Police Minister Reece Whitby called it gut wrenching and a warning for everyone. “That wild swing can be devastating. It can change your life, as well as in the life of the person at the other end, it can result in devastating consequences,” he said. “There are lives that have never will be the same because of a moment, a split second decision to swing at someone. “Let everyone see this and reflect on what it means and think again, you get hot under the collar, there’s never an excuse for this.” Brodie Jake Dewar, 20, is currently behind bars charged with grievous bodily harm over the alleged attack on December 27 after having his bail revoked over a separate alleged one-punch incident on Christmas Day. Mr Whitby confirmed his charge is likely to be upgraded to manslaughter when he returns to court next month.