WYNDHAM: Mayor refuses to stand down
Cr Preet Singh continues his stance, refusing to stand down as Mayor of the City of Wyndham.
This is despite a vote of no confidence by Councillor colleagues.
Former mayor and Heathdale Ward Councillor Dr Jennie Barrera resigned from Wyndham City Council, effective May 1, in protest at Cr Singh’s refusal to vacate the Mayoral role.
Cr Singh has not taken part in any public duties during the dispute. He continues to draw his $142,661 annual allowance.
Cr Singh was the Liberal candidate for the Tarneit seat in 2023.
the dispute is over Cr Singh providing a character reference for a man accused of child sex offences.
The Labor member for Lalor, Joanne Ryan, told Federal Parliament it was disappointing that, five weeks after the character reference first came to light, Cr Singh had not resigned.
“”His initial grievous lack of judgement is now compounded by his incapacity to understand the message his reference sends to our community about sickening, sustained criminal behaviour being trivialised,” she said.