Janelle Saffin ministerial spending controversy

New South Wales Minister Janelle Saffin faced scrutiny after reports revealed that taxpayer-funded ministerial office budgets were used to pay for luxury hotel accommodations in Sydney. One specific instance involved an eight-night stay at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth during the Mardi Gras period, costing approximately $4,400. Saffin characterized the use of office funds for these stays—which totaled 52 nights and nearly $20,000 since she became a minister—as an “administrative error.”

Following an audit conducted with the Department of Parliamentary Services and the Premier’s Department, Saffin defended the expenses, stating the travel was legitimate and performed as part of her parliamentary duties. The audit confirmed that costs were inadvertently charged to her ministerial office budget instead of the Sydney Allowance intended for MPs from non-metropolitan electorates.

While the NSW Liberals and Nationals referred the matter to the NSW Auditor General, labeling it “reckless spending,” Saffin has committed to reimbursing her ministerial office budget for the difference between the amounts paid and the applicable allowance.