Wyndham Mayor Preet Singh says he will return to his duties in the coming days, rejecting calls for his resignation and denying any wrongdoing.
Singh had stepped aside from the role on April 1 after it emerged he had provided a character reference in April 2024 for a man who was later jailed for child sex offences.
In a statement shared on Wyndham City Council’s Facebook page, he said, “I will shortly return to the Office of the Mayor,” while thanking Acting Mayor Jasmine Hill for stepping into the role during his absence.
The issue has sparked strong reaction in the community, with ongoing calls for his resignation and growing political pressure.
Addressing the controversy directly, Cr Singh said: “I have done nothing illegal, criminal, or unlawful.”
He added, “I do not, and will never, condone or support child sexual abuse,” and said, “At no point did I suggest that what occurred was acceptable.”
Singh acknowledged what he described as an “error of judgement” and said he had apologised to those affected. “I have accepted accountability for my error of judgement, and I have apologised sincerely and unreservedly to the victim and their family for the impact my actions had on them. That apology stands.”
He also clarified that the reference was written before he entered public office.
“This reference letter was provided when I was a private citizen and is not connected in any way to the Office of the Mayor or Councillor.”
Singh said the past few weeks had taken a personal toll, particularly on his family.
“The events of recent weeks… have caused profound harm not only to me personally, but to my family — and most painfully, to my daughters,” he said, adding they had endured “serious emotional trauma, abuse, and defamation.”
He strongly rejected allegations circulating online. “As a direct result, I have been publicly labelled a criminal, a paedophile, and a threat to children and women. These accusations are false. They are vile. They are entirely unjustified. I did not commit a crime. I did not endorse one.”
Singh also claimed the backlash was politically motivated. “I will not allow myself to be bullied into resigning by a politically motivated group pursuing an agenda,” he said.
He added that stepping down would “wrongly legitimise allegations that are false, unfounded.”
The statement comes as tensions in Wyndham continue to rise. According to Wyndham TV, a third protest is planned in Truganina on April 26, marking the first demonstration in Singh’s Bemin ward.
A no-confidence motion is also scheduled for April 27 as pressure on the mayor intensifies.
Despite the controversy, Singh said he intends to continue serving the community.
“Since joining Council, I have worked tirelessly in service of this community every day… I will continue to do so.”
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