Janelle Saffin defends travel expenses after audit finds administrative error

NSW Small Business Minister Janelle Saffin has defended her travel expenses following an audit that attributed a recent political scandal to an administrative error. The audit, conducted with support from the Department of Parliamentary Services and the Premier’s Department, confirmed that official travel costs to Sydney were inadvertently charged to her ministerial office budget rather than the Sydney Allowance intended for MPs in non-metropolitan electorates.

Saffin stated that the travel was legitimate and performed as part of her parliamentary duties. She has committed to reimbursing her ministerial office budget for the difference between the amounts paid and what her Sydney Allowance would have covered.

The controversy arose after reports surfaced regarding 52 nights of Sydney accommodation charged to her ministerial budget. The NSW Liberals and Nationals referred the matter to the NSW Auditor General, characterizing the situation as reckless spending. Saffin also addressed questions regarding a single night's stay in Ballina, explaining it was necessary due to a national disaster-related event requiring an early start.