Prime Minister Tony Abbott has recruited a top ABC journalist as his chief spinner in a move that may well shock right-wing commentators who attack the national broadcaster's political coverage as being too far to the left.

Walkley Award-winning journalist Mark Simkin has been appointed as Mr Abbott's chief of communications. He will share the role with Mr Abbott's well-regarded former press secretary and deputy chief of staff, Andrew Hirst.

Mark Simkin at a function in 2012. Credit:Lyn Mills

Simkin has been the ABC's chief political correspondent for the last five years and his journalism was respected by both Labor and Coalition MPs.

He and fellow ABC journalist Chris Uhlmann broke the news in 2010 that Labor was preparing to roll Kevin Rudd as prime minister. In December 2012, Mr Abbott, as opposition leader, singled out the pair for praise.