The Immigration Department employs a 66-strong team of spin doctors, dwarfing the 39 media and communications staff employed by Prime Minister Tony Abbott and the ministers on his frontbench.

Last August, immigration employed 72 media staff, but the 66 officers who now work in the department's media unit are supported by a further 33 personnel who work on media operations and events in the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service.

Tight-lipped on spending: Scott Morrison. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

In 2011, the Immigration Department reportedly employed just 13 spin doctors.

Since taking the reins in September, Immigration Minister Scott Morrison has come under fire for repeatedly refusing to inform the public about how Australia repels asylum seekers at sea.