Australia 'ahead of the curve': Swan

Treasurer Wayne Swan says the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) updated World
Economic Outlook shows Australia remains a "world leader" in the global recovery.
The Washington-based institution has maintained its previous growth forecasts for
Australia due to "still robust commodity prices boosting private domestic demand".
It predicts growth of 3.0 per cent in 2010, accelerating to 3.5 per cent in 2011, as
it did in April.
"(The report) shows that Australia remains a world leader in the global recovery,
with stronger growth, lower unemployment and much lower debt than other advanced
economies," Mr Swan said in a statement on Thursday.
"Together with today's strong employment figures, the IMF's report shows the
Australian economy is still well ahead of the curve and continues to benefit from
the government's strong economic management."
New labour force data released on Thursday showed the jobless rate was 5.1 per cent
in June, unchanged from May after revisions, as the number of people employed grew
by a much larger than expected 45,900.
The May unemployment rate was originally reported as 5.2 per cent.
Mr Swan said the Australian economy is well placed to benefit from its proximity and
links to the world's fastest growing region - Asia.
The IMF said that global recovery remains uneven, with the Asian region growing
strong, but most major advanced economies are still fragile with downside risks
persisting.