Minister to pay back thousands in travel expenses

A state government minister in New South Wales, Janelle Saffin, will pay back thousands of dollars in travel expenses that were mistakenly paid from her ministerial budget instead of the correct allowance. The audit conducted by her office found that she had used her budget for official travel to Sydney, including $24,000 in hotel stays and $13,500 on flights.

Ministers are not allowed to claim expenses during travel to Sydney from their budget, as they are considered the headquarters of all ministers. Instead, MPs from non-metropolitan electorates receive a Sydney allowance, around $390 per night, for hotel expenses. Saffin acknowledged her error and plans to seek reimbursement through the Sydney allowance, expressing hope that her experience will raise awareness of ministerial and MPs' entitlements.

Premier Chris Minns expressed confidence in Saffin's intentions and the importance of regional MPs serving as ministers, while opposition leader Kellie Sloane emphasized the need for ministers to ensure expenses are coming out of the appropriate account and to be clear and honest with taxpayers.