Lismore MP Janelle Saffin has reportedly apologised and ordered a rapid review after Sydney hotel accommodation was charged to the wrong taxpayer-funded account.

The Daily Telegraph reports Ms Saffin stayed eight nights at the five-star Sofitel Sydney Wentworth during this year’s Mardi Gras period, while undertaking ministerial and parliamentary duties in Sydney.

State Political Editor James O’Doherty reported the February 23 to March 3 stay cost about $4400, including $530 in hotel “incidentals”.

Ms Saffin, who is Minister for Small Business, Minister for Recovery and Minister for the North Coast, attended official meetings and Budget Estimates during the stay, and also marched in the Mardi Gras parade with Service NSW.

The Telegraph reported Ms Saffin has used her ministerial office budget to pay for 52 nights of Sydney accommodation since becoming a minister, at a total cost of almost $20,000.

However, ministerial spending rules reportedly prevent Sydney accommodation from being paid from a minister’s office budget. As an MP, Ms Saffin has access to a separate Sydney allowance for parliamentary business.

Ms Saffin described the matter as an “administrative error” and said she had ordered a rapid audit of the travel claims to determine the appropriate budget allocation.

“I apologise for this inadvertent error and am taking swift action to correct it, including reimbursement or reallocation as required,” she said to News Corp.

Ballina News Daily has contacted Ms Saffin’s office seeking any further statement and an update on the outcome of the review.