Independent MP Geoff Shaw has "humbly and sincerely" apologised to the Victorian parliament after his suspension for misusing his parliamentary entitlements.
"I humbly and sincerely apologise to the house and to the people of Victoria for my breach of the code of conduct for members," Mr Shaw told parliament in a short prepared speech.
Mr Shaw said he understood the issue had been a distraction.
"I accept and I've always stated throughout the various investigations including a thorough and rigorous investigation by the Department of Public Prosecution, which found no wrongful action, that the buck stops with me, and I have taken full responsibility," Mr Shaw said.
Mr Shaw said he had always sought a conclusion to the matter.
"I genuinely apologise if my actions to date did not demonstrate such a commitment," he said.
"We are all elected to represent the best interests of our community and that has always been my sincere intention in Frankston.
"I understand that this matter has been a distraction for which I am sincerely sorry."
Mr Shaw said he had complied with the order to repay $6838.44.
Mr Shaw read the two-minute apology from a prepared script, saying it was due to the matter's importance and to ensure he fully complied with the government motion to suspend him.
The Liberal-turned independent MP was suspended for 11 sitting days until Tuesday, for misusing his taxpayer-funded vehicle and fuel card for his hardware business.
To avoid being expelled from the parliament, he was ordered to repay more than $6800 and offer a genuine apology when he returned to parliament on Tuesday afternoon.
Premier Denis Napthine told reporters earlier on Tuesday the parliament will make a judgment on whether the apology is sincere.
Mr Shaw's return to parliament means he regains his balance-of-power status in the Legislative Assembly.
Before Mr Shaw gave his brief speech, Speaker Christine Fyffe told the house she had received a letter confirming that Shaw had repaid all monies owing.
Mr Shaw had also complied with a requirement to not travel overseas on his parliamentary entitlements during his suspension, the speaker said.
Question time is now under way in the parliament.
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