While Labor has committed to reviewing the dole, which is about $40 a day, the coalition is continuing to resist calls to raise the rate ahead of the May 18 election.

"When we get better economic conditions as we put in more budget surpluses, upon more budget surpluses, we can revisit that, we can look at that," Mr McCormack told AAP.

"But what we don't want to do is make it such that there's an option there for people to stay on welfare."

Nationals candidate for the Tasmanian of Braddon Sally Milbourne on Tuesday broke ranks with the coalition and called for Newstart to be higher.

"I think it definitely needs to be looked at, there definitely needs to have some sort of lift in there," she said.

Mr McCormack said he appreciated where Ms Milbourne was coming from, but the dole wasn't a payment people should be attracted to.

"She's a candidate and you've got to say what you need to say to ensure that you maximise your voting potential," he said.

Mr McCormack said people should be more prepared to move for work, arguing enough jobs are available - especially in regional Australia.

"Whilst I appreciate that Newstart is perhaps not something that you're going to be able to survive on forever and a day, the fact is in Australia there are jobs for those who want them," he said.

"There are jobs in the regions we just can't fill. We want Australians to be in work - that's the best form of welfare."

Welfare groups and the Greens have called for a $75-a-week increase in Newstart.

Australian Associated Press