Key independents say they will push next Australian government to lift jobseeker payment

Incumbent MPs and first-time teal' candidates say unemployment benefit below poverty line is unacceptable

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High-profile independents vying for a place in the next parliament have vowed to push for an increase to the jobseeker payment after Labor dumped plans to review the benefit.

In a move that angered welfare groups, Labor on Tuesday confirmed it would not commit to lifting the payment - currently at a base rate of $46 a day - and had ditched an independent review proposed in 2019, citing budget constraints.

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