MELBOURNE, March 31, 2026: The controversy over Wyndham Mayor Preet Singh and governance of the council has taken a political colour. A report today in the Star Weekly says tomorrow evening a sexual assault survivor will lead a protest demanding the Mayor to stand down and the local MP has raised the issue with the Minister of Local Government.
Werribee MP John Lister has written a letter (Posted on Facebook) to the Minister of Local Government, Nock Staikos MP, asking him for advice “as Werribee constituents” are concerned.
The letter:
JOHN LISTER
FIGHTING FOR OUR COMMUNITY MP FOR WERRIBEE
FIGHTING FOR OUR COMMUNITY MP FOR WERRIBEE
The Hon Nick Staikos MP
Minister for Local Government
nick.staikos@parliament.vic.gov.au (mailto:nick.staikos@parliament.vic.gov.au)
Minister for Local Government
nick.staikos@parliament.vic.gov.au (mailto:nick.staikos@parliament.vic.gov.au)
Dear Minister Staikos,
A number of my constituents have spoken and written to me regarding a good character reference provided by Councillor Preet Singh to a person convicted of child abuse. They have also raised ongoing concerns with governance at Wyndham City Council.
Constituents have raised that they believe this conduct, which occurred prior to Councillor Singh becoming a councillor, has brought the office of Mayor into disrepute. As a local resident and representative, I feel it is important to call it out.
I seek your advice on the matter and what steps Wyndham City Council and Local Government Victoria are taking to restore confidence in the office of Mayor.
As you know, the Allan Labor Government has moved to ban good character references in sentencing. People must be held accountable for their actions without excuses. The Labor Government has also put child safety first across our community, through reforms to child safety protections and regulations around people working with children. You have also led the implementation of model codes of conduct for councillors, and I thank you for your work in maintaining high expectations of leadership in local government.
I acknowledge Councillor Singh’s statement in the Star Weekly (30 March 2026) that he showed ‘poor judgement’ in providing the character reference to the court. My constituents do not think this acknowledgement is enough, and they believe Councillor Singh needs to consider whether it is appropriate to remain in the position of Mayor of Wyndham City.
I look forward to receiving advice from you on this issue and thank you for considering these concerns from my constituents.Yours sincerely,
[Signature]John Lister
Member for Werribee31 March 2026
Member for Werribee31 March 2026
