Perth Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi is appealing findings that she repeatedly failed to disclose gifts and travel before the State Administrative Tribunal has even handed down its penalty.

The tribunal last month found Ms Scaffidi had breached the Local Government Act 45 times by not disclosing accommodation and travel gifts, including a $US36,000 package to the Beijing Olympics paid for by BHP Billiton.

Ms Scaffidi also admitted to four other breaches.

A hearing was held this week to determine the penalty Ms Scaffidi should receive, and it could include a suspension, but she has already lodged documents with the WA Court of Appeal before a decision has been made.

Earlier this week, the ABC reported that a number of claims and dates included in her signed witness statement were called into question, and the Lord Mayor acknowledged the document contained inaccuracies.

When asked why she did not take the time to properly check details contained in the signed statement, she responded: “Obviously I wish I had now.”

Ms Scaffidi criticised some of the media commentary around the non-disclosure saga, accusing outlets of failing to accurately report the issue at hand.

“The issue is non-disclosure,” Ms Scaffidi said.

“It’s not a ‘travel rort’, it’s not a ‘perks scandal’, it’s my work.

“Travel is a key part of a role like this.

“It has been inappropriately couched. I suppose that’s what appeals to the masses but to me, it’s been hurtful.”-AAP