Queensland Treasury's own 'strong choice' didn't come cheap.

Under Treasurer Mark Gray admitted the decision to embed two Phillips Group consultants within his department to help it better sell its message cost just under $385,000 (without GST) for six months work, during a budget estimates hearing on Thursday.

Treasurer Tim Nicholls Credit:Glenn Hunt

The figure also includes the work of two additional consultants who provided support to the embedded employees.

The company, which describes itself as a "world class, dynamic communication company", was hired in January.