Janelle Saffin apologizes for using taxpayer funds for Sydney hotel stays

New South Wales Minister Janelle Saffin has apologized following reports that taxpayer-funded ministerial office budgets were used to pay for luxury hotel accommodations in Sydney.

During the Mardi Gras period from February 23 to March 3, Saffin stayed eight nights at the five-star Sofitel Sydney Wentworth. The total cost was approximately $4,400, which included $530 in incidentals. While Saffin attended official meetings and Budget Estimates during this time, ministerial spending rules prohibit using an office budget for Sydney-based accommodation, as ministers are instead entitled to a separate parliamentary allowance for such expenses.

Reports indicate that since becoming a minister, Saffin has used her office budget to cover 52 nights of Sydney accommodation, totaling nearly $20,000. Saffin characterized the situation as an “administrative error” and has ordered a rapid audit of her travel claims to ensure appropriate reimbursement or reallocation of funds.