Wyndham City Mayor Preet Singh Temporarily Steps Aside Amid Controversy

Wyndham City Mayor Preet Singh has temporarily stepped aside from his role, approximately eight days after his election. This decision follows revelations that he provided a character reference for Kashyap Patel, who was convicted of child sex offenses. The move comes amid calls for his resignation from fellow councillors and community members, with a local government monitor also appointed to the council.

Background: Character Reference Sparks Outcry

Mr. Singh's temporary departure was prompted by public disclosure of a character reference he provided for Kashyap Patel. In 2024, Mr. Patel pleaded guilty to grooming a child under 16, transmitting indecent communication, and sexually assaulting a child under the age of 16, offenses that occurred in 2021. He subsequently received a nine-month imprisonment sentence.

The character reference, penned by Mr. Singh in April 2024, described Mr. Patel as a man of "good character." It further stated that Mr. Patel was "very upset about the charges" and "extremely regretful," adding that Mr. Singh would "continue to trust Mr Kashyap Patel." Mr. Singh signed the reference in his capacity as a justice of the peace and noted he had been friends with Mr. Patel for 13 years.

The reference, written in April 2024, described Mr. Patel as a man of "good character" and stated Mr. Singh would "continue to trust Mr Kashyap Patel."

Mayor Singh's Apology and Temporary Absence

Mr. Singh announced on social media that Deputy Mayor Jasmine Hill would serve as acting mayor during his temporary absence. He clarified that the character reference was provided prior to his election, acknowledging that it raised "legitimate questions about judgment."

Mr. Singh expressed deep regret and apologized for any "hurt or harm caused," specifically to the victim and community members. He stated that his temporary departure was to maintain focus on community matters. He has also offered to meet with leaders of planned protests.

Council and Community Demand Resignation

All ten other Wyndham City councillors, including Cr Hill and former mayor Josh Gilligan, released a joint statement calling for Mr. Singh's resignation. The councillors stated they became aware of the reference on a Monday, asserting that "supporting child sex offenders is never acceptable" and that Mr. Singh was "no longer fit to hold the Office of Mayor."

"Supporting child sex offenders is never acceptable, and Cr Singh is no longer fit to hold the Office of Mayor."

Members of the local community have organized protests outside council chambers, advocating for Mr. Singh's resignation. Mr. Singh acknowledged their right to protest and reiterated his offer to meet with demonstration leaders. Under the Local Government Act, councils are currently unable to remove an elected mayor during their one-year term.

Government Appoints Monitor to Council

The local government minister has appointed a monitor to Wyndham City Council. This appointment aims to "restore stability in the leadership and ensure good governance," citing concerns about ongoing instability within the council.

Related Political Fallout and Council Instability

The incident also led to Dinesh Gourisetty stepping down as the Liberal Party's preselected No.1 candidate for the upper house ticket for the Western Metropolitan region. Mr. Gourisetty had also provided a character reference for Mr. Patel in 2024. The Liberal Party has since reopened candidate applications for the position.

Mr. Singh was elected mayor in late March, becoming the third mayor for Wyndham City Council in 36 days. He succeeded a predecessor who had been stood down for misconduct. In 2022, Mr. Singh was also the Liberal candidate for the Victorian seat of Tarneit.