Mehajer stands down from development roles

The controversial deputy mayor of Auburn, Salim Mehajer, has stood down as director from six of his seven property development companies and has said he wants to study medicine and become a mental health specialist.

Mr Mehajer on Friday wrote to Auburn council asking for an update on a Lidcombe development and when quizzed about whether he was making the inquiry as a businessman or a local government member, he said he had "resigned from being a developer and director of multiple companies since mid-October", The Australian reports.

He also intends to commence studying a bachelor of medicine and wants to major in "specialist mental health services," it has been reported.