Elaborate advertising campaigns commissioned by the Labor and Abbott governments to stop refugees seeking protection in Australia have cost taxpayers almost $23 million in one year.

According to the Australian Audit Office, the Immigration and Customs departments have spent $22,695,994 on onshore and offshore campaigns to stop "illegal immigrants" from some of the most desperate countries including Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran and Sudan from seeking asylum in Australia between July 2013 and August 2014. The documents are in response to questions asked in Senate estimates.

The customs campaigns, shown in a number of developing countries included By boat, no visa; New Rules; Don't throw your money into water; and No way. You will not make Australia home.

These campaigns cost taxpayers $14.9 million, and were conducted under the former Labor government and the Coalition, the document says.