‘The rate is too low’: pressure builds within Labor ranks to raise jobseeker

Labor MPs are increasing pressure on party leadership to raise the jobseeker payment. Photograph: Jessica Hromas/The Guardian

Labor’s leadership is coming under increasing pressure from its own party to raise the jobseeker rate, with more backbenchers breaking ranks to publicly lobby for an increase.

At least 11 MPs have now publicly stated support for a jobseeker increase or other relief for the most vulnerable, with more privately saying they want the rate raised.