Newstart: Liberal MPs break ranks to join Nationals group calling for welfare increase

Liberal MPs Dean Smith and Russell Broadbent are calling for the unemployment payment to be lifted

Liberal MPs have joined a group of Nationals calling for a lift to the Newstart payment, with one suggesting funds be diverted from the multibillion-dollar Jobactive system.

The Victorian MP Russell Broadbent, who represents the regional seat of Monash, said he was concerned the current Newstart rate could be entrenching disadvantage by stopping people entering the workforce.