Wyndham Mayor Preet Singh has broken his silence following weeks of controversy, firmly rejecting calls for his resignation and insisting he has “done nothing illegal, criminal, or unlawful.”
In a detailed public statement, Singh addressed mounting criticism linked to a character reference he provided in a criminal case prior to holding office, an issue that has sparked protests, political backlash and intense scrutiny across Melbourne’s west.
“The events of recent weeks… have caused profound harm not only to me personally, but to my family — and most painfully, to my daughters,” Singh said, alleging they had faced “serious emotional trauma, abuse, and defamation” as the issue gained traction online.
Singh categorically denied any wrongdoing, stating he does not and will never condone child sexual abuse, and stressed that he had never suggested the actions in the case were acceptable. He acknowledged what he described as an “error of judgement” in providing the reference and said he had issued a “sincere and unreserved” apology to the victim and their family.
The Mayor emphasised that the letter was written while he was a private citizen and was not connected to his role at Wyndham City Council.
As pressure continues to build from sections of the community and political figures, Singh pushed back strongly against calls for his resignation, claiming he was being targeted by a “politically motivated group” seeking to destabilise the council.
“I will not allow myself to be bullied into resigning,” he said, arguing that stepping down would legitimise what he described as “false, unfounded” allegations.
He further claimed the controversy had been amplified by “a small, organised group with well-known political affiliations,” accusing them of orchestrating a coordinated social media campaign to discredit him and inflame division within the community.
Singh also revealed the personal toll of the controversy, saying he had been labelled “a criminal, a paedophile, and a threat to children and women” — accusations he described as “false” and “vile.”
Importantly, Singh asserted that there are no investigations into his conduct by any authority, a point he highlighted to reinforce his position that he has not breached any laws.
The statement comes as Singh prepares to return to his duties after a temporary leave of absence, during which Deputy Mayor Jasmine Hill served as Acting Mayor.
“I will shortly return to the Office of the Mayor,” Singh confirmed, thanking Hill for her leadership during the period.
The controversy has placed renewed focus on governance, accountability and public trust within local government, particularly in rapidly growing municipalities like Wyndham. While Singh remains defiant, the political and community fallout is expected to continue as pressure mounts on the council to address concerns raised by residents.
For now, Singh says he remains committed to serving the Bemin Ward community and upholding democratic processes, even as calls for his resignation show little sign of easing.
Support our Journalism
No-nonsense journalism. No paywalls. Whether you’re in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, or India, you can support The Australia Today by taking a paid subscription via Patreon or donating via PayPal — and help keep honest, fearless journalism alive.
