Peter Dutton spends $8 million on spin doctor army

By Adam Gartrell
Updated October 2 2016 - 9:08am, first published 12:45am
Immigration Minister Peter Dutton's department has 82 communications staff, 22 of whom are dedicated to its "24/7 media operations". Photo: Stefan Postles
Immigration Minister Peter Dutton's department has 82 communications staff, 22 of whom are dedicated to its "24/7 media operations". Photo: Stefan Postles
Australian Border Force Commissioner Roman Quaedvlieg blamed a "clumsily worded" press release for  suggesting people would be stopped for random visa checks. Photo:  Alex Ellinghausen
Australian Border Force Commissioner Roman Quaedvlieg blamed a "clumsily worded" press release for suggesting people would be stopped for random visa checks. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
A Melbourne protest last year against Operation Fortitude.  Photo: Joe Armao
A Melbourne protest last year against Operation Fortitude. Photo: Joe Armao

Immigration Minister Peter Dutton's army of spin doctors and communications staff is costing taxpayers more than $8 million a year, and his department is also spending up on external media consultants.