The results of the investigation were released by Ms Ley on Wednesday and she spoke in Parliament about the travel which sparked her resignation as health and sport minister in January.

“The department found that over a 3½-year period there had been one claim that was outside entitlements,” Ms Ley said.

In its report the department stated Ms Ley “identified further costs associated with elements of travel that she felt might be considered more personal in nature or where her recollection of events was imprecise”.

“She has sought to be invoiced for these costs with a 25 per cent penalty added,” the report stated.

“Ms Ley has now voluntarily repaid $5232.20.”

The Liberal MP said she realised her behaviour, which saw her buy a unit on a Gold Coast trip, failed the public.

“The repayments I have chosen to make - entirely voluntarily – are because I recognise that I have fallen short of community standards and I want to put the matter beyond further commentary,” she said.   

“In no way do I seek to complain about my situation or the way events played out.

“I simply table the outcome of the investigation, as I said I would, and in doing so, allow people to draw their own conclusions.

“I accept the mercurial world which is politics today; although if I could pass an observation that I am sure others have experienced, the front page news and associated conclusions drawn about me, talk of someone who bears no resemblance to me.

“I have been incredibly fortunate to serve in Malcolm Turnbull’s cabinet and even more fortunate to represent the people of Farrer.

“I thank my colleagues and friends for their support and I thank my constituents from the bottom of my heart for the faith they have shown in me.”

Ms Ley said she quit as a minister as “the facts could not overcome the story”.