Ms Watson was responding to a TV news report, which aired on Tuesday night, that alleged the Member for Shellharbour had rorted her travel expenses, claiming nearly $3000 for Sydney-based stays last year.

Ms Watson last night said she had repaid the amount in full and the matter had been resolved in May last year.

The MP on Tuesday night unreservedly apologised to her constituents.

‘‘As a newly elected Member of Parliament, I spoke with the Clerk of the NSW Legislative Assembly, Rhonda Miller, in which I was provided with guidance and advice relating to the claiming of the Sydney Allowance,’’ she said.

‘‘Following advice from the clerk, I subsequently repaid an erroneous claim in full.

‘‘I am, following the professional advice of the clerk, much more aware of the requirements relating to the Sydney Allowance.’’

Ms Watson labelled the administrative error ‘‘embarrassing’’.

‘‘I take full responsibility for this error and regret my carelessness,’’ she said.

‘‘I unreservedly apologise to my constituents for my mistake.’’

A spokesperson for Opposition Leader John Robertson told the Mercury Mr Robertson’s office had been aware the clerk of the parliament had been dealing with the matter.

“We understand Ms Watson cooperated fully with the clerk of the legislative assembly to rectify the matter and that she repaid the mistakenly claimed allowance in full,’’ the spokesperson said.

Ms Watson is not aware of any investigation by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).

‘‘[I have] not been contacted by any ICAC official regarding any form of investigation into any of my parliamentary allowances,’’ she said.