Federal politicians will keep the vast majority of their parliamentary perks but their spending will be subject to greater scrutiny under changes to the entitlements system being considered by the Turnbull government.

Fairfax Media can reveal that the report ordered by former prime minister Tony Abbott in the wake of the Bronwyn Bishop "choppergate" scandal has been delivered to newly appointed Special Minister of State Mathias Cormann.

The review panel found the current system was "complex, ambiguous and out of step with community expectations".

Fairfax understands that dozens – and possibly as many as 100 – serving politicians were interviewed or made submissions to the review. Many of them argued the system needs to remain flexible in order for them to do their jobs.