Shameful Betrayal: Melbourne Mayor Stands Down After Backing Convicted Child Sex Offender
- Wyndham City Council’s Preet Singh temporarily steps down as mayor after providing character reference for convicted child sex offender Kashyap Patel
- Patel was found guilty of grooming and sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl in 2024
- Members of the local community demand Singh’s resignation, citing a “shameful betrayal of public trust”
The mayor of Wyndham City Council, Preet Singh, has stood down from his position just a week after being elected, following revelations he provided a character reference for a convicted child sex offender.
The shocking move has sparked outrage among the local community, with many calling for Singh’s resignation.
Singh wrote a character reference for Kashyap Patel, who in 2024 was convicted of grooming and sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl. The County Court judgement noted that Singh, a friend of 13 years, had given a reference indicating the offender was a man of “good character”.
In a statement, Singh admitted that he had provided the reference prior to his election, but acknowledged that it had raised “legitimate questions about judgement”. He expressed deep regret for his actions, saying “I am deeply sorry”.
However, Singh’s apology has fallen flat with the local community, who were preparing to protest outside council chambers calling for his resignation. The mayor has offered to meet with the protesters, saying “I respect the right of community members to express their views, including through peaceful protest”.
This is not the first time Wyndham City Council has faced controversy.
In 2025, former mayor Josh Gilligan was suspended for one month after an investigation found he had failed to comply with the council’s code of conduct.
Singh himself was elected as mayor after Gilligan was stood down for misconduct.
The Liberal Party has also faced fallout from the scandal, with Dinesh Gourisetty ousted as the party’s preselected candidate for the upper house ticket for the Western Metropolitan region after it emerged he had also provided a character reference for Patel.
Analysis: What This Means for Australia
This shocking incident raises serious questions about the judgement and character of those in public office. It is unacceptable that a mayor, tasked with serving and protecting the community, could provide a character reference for a convicted child sex offender.
The fact that Singh was elected mayor despite this knowledge is a damning indictment of the system.
Security analysts say that this incident highlights the need for stricter vetting processes for those seeking public office.
“This is a wake-up call for all levels of government to take a closer look at the individuals they are putting in positions of power,” said one expert.
The community impact of this scandal cannot be overstated. The people of Wyndham City deserve better from their elected officials.
The fact that Singh’s actions have sparked outrage and demands for his resignation is a testament to the community’s commitment to holding those in power accountable.
As the community continues to grapple with the fallout from this scandal, one thing is clear: those in public office must be held to a higher standard.
The people of Australia deserve nothing less.
