Baird happy with his social media help

NSW Premier Mike Baird would not confirm the cost, but says it should come as no surprise someone was paid to advise the government on social media.

Mike Baird has used Twitter to deal with the haters, to live-tweet during The Bachelor and to announce policy.

The NSW premier also took to Facebook to send his condolences to "mate" Tony Abbott after his ousting as prime minister.

But new reports have emerged that Mr Baird's social media savvy has come at a cost to the taxpayer, with News Ltd newspapers claiming a social media expert was paid $30,000 for 51 days' work to advise the premier how to use Twitter and Facebook.

Mr Baird would not confirm if the amount of money - which works out at $600 a day - is correct, but did not deny hiring someone to help with social media.

"What is not going to surprise anyone is that you have someone that is involved in overseeing social media in government," he told reporters in Sydney on Thursday.

"It is an important communication element for anyone that wants to communicate with people across NSW (and) it's something we will continue to do."

Mr Baird said engaging in social media is necessary whether you're in public office, corporate leadership, or an NGO.

"It is a new world and like anything in life I have taken expert advice whatever medium I'm involved in, as I have done on this," he said.

Mr Baird won plenty of new fans recently when he tweeted about the final episode of The Bachelor, while at home with "man-flu".

"Stuck at home on the couch with man-flu. Daughters have hijacked the TV and are watching The Bachelor. Going to be a loooong night," the first of several tweets read.

The premier admitted it was a one-off viewing and he would not be tuning into The Bachelorette.

"I am happy to rule it out. That was a once and only moment where my daughter caught me, suggested I watch it and it's something I'll always regret," he said.


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Source: AAP


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