The Australian Financial Reporter has learned a spin doctor who was hired by the Turnbull Government in the run-up to the federal election last year has been sacked after he posted a critical blog post on social media about his employer’s healthcare policy.

Mr Suresh Chirprand, an associate professor at the University of Sydney’s School of Health Sciences, had been a consultant at the Department of Health for several years before being hired by Turnbull in February.

Mr Chirpriand had defended the department’s healthcare system as being “well-meaning and well-managed” and said it had a “great track record” of “making a difference”.

He posted the blog on Facebook on February 19.

Mr Turnbull said on Friday that Mr Chirsprand was no longer employed by the department and it was a “serious matter”.

“We are extremely disappointed that the man who helped to guide the Government’s healthcare strategy in this critical time for Australians has been terminated,” he said.

“This is a serious matter.” “

A Department of Human Services spokeswoman said the department was investigating Mr Chirisprand’s blog post and could not comment on internal matters. “

This is a serious matter.”

A Department of Human Services spokeswoman said the department was investigating Mr Chirisprand’s blog post and could not comment on internal matters.

She said the minister was also in touch with Mr Chiriv’s employers, the health industry, and would be meeting with them on Monday.

“I would urge everyone to take this matter seriously,” she said.