GDP & Unemployment Results

Australia's average measure of gross domestic product rose 0.9% in the fourth quarter of 2009 from the third quarter and rose 2.7% from the year-earlier period, its fastest pace in almost two years according to the Australia Bureau of Statistics.

Strong business investment, a construction upswing, corporate profit growth, solid government and consumer spending all contributed to the boost.

200,000 jobs were created between August and January, lowering unemployment to 5.3% from 5.8%. The government is set to release its 2010-11 budget in early May.