The Abbott government has created a hub of 37 communication and social media specialists to monitor social media and offer strategic communications advice costing taxpayers almost $4.3 million a year.

Details released in Senate documents show the ‘‘Strategic Communications Branch’’ was implemented late last year, where the 37 staff are expected to oversee media within the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, including Indigenous Affairs and the Office for Women. According to the documents, staff are expected to monitor social media, offer strategic communications advice and create internal newsletters graphic design support, among other duties.

Spin doctors: Prime Minister Tony Abbott. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

A spokesman for Opposition Leader Bill Shorten slammed the number of communications staff engaged to spin Tony Abbott’s messages.

‘‘At a time when the Prime Minister is cutting pensions and increasing taxes and cost of living pressures, nearly 40 extra staff members have been put on to try to spin his messages.’’