Monday, November 11, 2024

Belmont councillor resigns after indecent assault conviction

City of Belmont Councillor, Tamak Vijay, has resigned from the Council after being found guilty of indecently assaulting three young women.

The court found that Councillor Vijay (pictured), in his role as a driving assessor for the WA Department of Transport, indecently touched the women in a car while supervising their driving tests in February.

He denied any physical contact took place and did not give evidence during the trial.

On Monday, he was convicted and fined $6,000 but did not receive a custodial sentence, leaving the Council unable to impose further sanctions regarding his role as a councillor.

“The Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC) has confirmed that there are no grounds for his disqualification from Council under the current Local Government Act 1995,” the Council said following the guilty verdict.

“Section 2.22 of the Local Government Act 1995 outlines the grounds for disqualification from Council. As Councillor Vijay did not receive a custodial sentence, the City understands that he is not prevented from returning to Council.”

In an email to Elected Members and the CEO two days later, Councillor Vijay tendered his resignation, stating, “I strongly believe this is in the best interest of the city and its people”.

The Council has confirmed that the results of the 2023 local government elections can be used to fill Cr Vijay’s vacancy.

“The next available candidate in line from the previous election is Mr Jarod Harris, noting Cr Janet Powell was second in results but was successful in the 2024 extraordinary election for the South Ward. The City has contacted Mr Harris to advise him of the vacancy and he has confirmed he is available to fill the position of Central Ward Councillor,” Council said.

The Council says it will be making arrangements to swear Mr Harris onto Council prior to the October Ordinary Council Meeting.

“I believe this is a positive outcome for our city and community and I look forward to welcoming Mr Harris to Council,” said Mayor Robert Rossi.

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City of Belmont

215 Wright Street,
Cloverdale WA 6105

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