A Wyndham resident has complained to the Local Government Investigations and Compliance Inspectorate about a councillor ’s role in a video promoting one of Wyndham’s Holi festivals.
The resident, who does not wish to be named, believes Cr Gupta misused his position in the video, which features shots outside the mayor’s office, with text stating the event had “the support of Wyndham’s mayor … Cr Gupta”.
Cr Gupta is acting mayor when the mayor is on leave, but mayor Adele Hegedich was not on leave at the time.
A Local Government inspectorate spokeswoman confirmed a complaint about Wyndham council had been made.
Wyndham chief executive Kelly Grigsby said “given that this issue is now being dealt with by the inspectorate, it would be inappropriate to comment on the specifics relating to this matter”.
Cr Gupta said he had nothing to do with editing the video and did not see the finished product until it was released.
He said he contacted the video producer via Facebook, writing: “I think there is a typo, my working title is acting mayor.”
The Facebook introduction to the video was changed, but the video wasn’t.
“If it was a professional organisation I would have requested they take it down,” Cr Gupta said.
“This is a community group. Their intention was to promote the event.”
