Labor MPs urge party to 'show some guts' on raising Newstart

A growing number of MPs speak out, with one calling for a significant lift to $400 a week, up from the current $275

A growing number of Labor MPs are pushing for the party to adopt a bolder strategy on Newstart, with one saying the opposition needed to "show some guts" to pressure the government to lift the payment.

Mike Freelander, the Labor MP for the western Sydney seat of Macarthur, told Guardian Australia he wants the party to commit to a "significant" increase to the government benefit, proposing it be lifted to $400 a week, up from the current rate of $275.