Labor is set to resist an internal push to raise dole payments, holding firm on a commitment to review Newstart rather than lock in a boost.
Some Left faction members were pushing for Labor to back a rise in the unemployment payment, but the party appears to have avoided a stoush at its national conference on the issue.
There is widespread agreement Newstart, which hasn't risen in real terms since 1994, is too low.
Advocacy groups have called for a $75-a-week increase on the current rate of $275.
But with a federal election around the corner, Labor will likely commit to urgently reviewing the dole if it wins government and hand down recommendations within 18 months.
"For every Australian who can't find a job, we will review and reform Newstart because that system should support people back into work, not punish them in poverty," Labor leader Bill Shorten told delegates on Sunday.
Shadow treasurer Chris Bowen said the rate of Newstart needed to be assessed with the resources of government and departmental advice.
"Newstart is low, we need to review it. That is the Labor Party's position and I expect that to be reflected in the national conference resolution," he told reporters.
