The author of a major review of Australia's complex welfare system believes change has to happen either through this federal government or a future one.
Former Mission Australia boss Patrick McClure's report prepared for the Abbott government aims to simplify a welfare system that has 20 payment streams and 55 supplements into five core payments.
"It is difficult. It's challenging. It's something that has to happen," Mr McClure told Sky News on Sunday.
"It either happens with this government or it will happen with a future government, because the system is just too complex."
The welfare support system would be streamlined into five areas - the aged pension, carers payment, living pension support, working age tiered support and a child and family payment.
Mr McClure said New Zealand moved to a similar model, which after a 12-month valuation found $10 billion in savings resulting in more people getting into jobs and less people on income support.
He is hoping to get bipartisan support on the reforms through a series of briefings with backbenchers, crossbenchers and Labor's welfare spokeswoman Jenny Macklin.
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