Wyndham mayor Preet Singh has temporarily stepped aside from his mayoral duties, a move confirmed both in a public statement and by Wyndham City Council, as pressure grows over a character reference he provided for a man later convicted of child sexual abuse.
In a statement posted on his Facebook page, Singh said he had asked the Deputy Mayor to act in the role while the matter is considered, stressing the need to keep the focus on the community and council work.
Cr Jasmine Hill will serve as acting mayor following Singh’s decision to temporarily step aside.
When contacted by phone, Wyndham City Council confirmed Singh had stepped aside from his duties. Asked whether the council still had confidence in his leadership, a spokesperson said further information would be made available publicly as the situation develops.
“Any information we can share should be up on our website. As this is all very recent, we’re still unsure what may unfold.”
Meanwhile, Singh said in his statement: “I understand the distress and concern this situation has caused in the community. Regardless of timing, this has raised legitimate questions about judgement. For that, I am deeply sorry.”
Singh acknowledged the courage of victim-survivors and said he “unequivocally” condemned child sexual abuse. He also apologised for any hurt caused, particularly to the victim and those affected.
The controversy relates to a character reference Singh provided in April 2024 for Kashyap Patel, who was facing charges of grooming and sexually abusing a 15-year-old girl. Patel later pleaded guilty and was jailed.
Singh has maintained the reference was written before he entered local government and was given in good faith. However, the issue has prompted calls from some councillors for him to resign, just days after he was elected mayor.
In a media statement released by councillors of Wyndham City Council, they called for Singh to resign “to restore stability to the Council and the Wyndham community”.
The statement said only a resignation will “give us the opportunity to restore stability and get on with the job of delivering services and infrastructure for Wyndham”.
However, under the Local Government Act 2020, Council is unable to remove a mayor who has been elected for a term of one year.
While Singh remains mayor, his decision to step aside from duties signals the seriousness of the situation as scrutiny continues.
A Wyndham community member, who asked not to be named, said the issue had shaken confidence locally. “It’s not just about when it happened,” he said. “It’s about judgement. People expect better from someone in that position, especially on something this serious.”
The situation has also drawn wider political attention after Liberal candidate Dinesh Gourisetty stepped down earlier this week over a similar reference.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
