Triggs battle overshadows government's welfare reform

Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull have locked horns over the government’s attack on Human Rights Commission President Gillian Triggs, with Mr Turnbull echoing backbenchers who say the focus needs to be on children in detention.

The prime minister has repeatedly targeted Ms Triggs, dismissing her report into children in detention as a “stitch-up”.

However, Mr Turnbull said the debate around Ms Triggs missed the main point.

Labor is pursuing the government over whether, on the insistence of Attorney-General George Brandis, Ms Triggs was urged to resign and offered another job as an inducement.

The Australian Federal Police has been asked to investigate.

The Triggs battle took some of the focus off the government’s crucial police promises, including a pledge to reform the welfare system.

The government hopes to streamline the $150 billion-a-year system of payments in the biggest overhaul welfare has seen in a generation.

Patrick McClure's report into the system focuses on getting those on welfare into work, recommending a set of five payments, instead of 20.

A tiered age payment would replace the dole, while a supported living pension would take the place of the disability support pension – with stricter controls.

There would also be a means-tested child and youth payment to guardians of children under 22, a carer’s payment, and the age pension.

Mr Morrison said the welfare system had to respect those who needed help, but also respect the taxpayer who paid for the services.