The Federal Government has placed itself under tight new controls for using social media sites.

The updated Statement of Standards for Ministerial Staff has come into effect, which bans political commentary on sites including Twitter and Facebook.

The black-out extends to Coalition staff writing books and newspaper articles, while staff seeking “further guidance” on the rules are being referred directly to the Prime Minister’s chief of staff, Peta Credlin.

The Coalition made one change to the Code when it took over from the Labor party in September last year, adding a 22nd clause to document which stated;

“Other than in the course of their professional duties, [staff must] not post personal online commentary or other material or publish books or articles expressing personal views which relate to either their minister's portfolio area or the general work of the Australian government... The Prime Minister's chief of staff should be consulted for further guidance.”

The amended code comes after a number of reports on the “closed-book” approach that exists within the Coalition. The Prime Minister’s office last year issued an edict that media requests for interviews with members of the Coalition frontbench must first be approved by Mr Abbott’s staff.

Some insiders reportedly say the moves are intended to stop Coalition members creating the same prominent public profiles as some members of former governments.

John McTernan, communications director to former Prime Minister Julia Gillard, was well known for his public outbursts on Twitter, which were a target for widespread criticism. Similarly, the chief of staff, economics adviser and media chief in the Rudd government were known for their prolific social media use.