Aussies beat the recession - but not Swine Flu

In Australia we have avoided a recession for another quarter, just...This surprise result means Australia has escaped two consecutive quarters of economic contraction - the definition used by some economists for a technical recession. (See you can learn a lot here, its not all boozing and partying)

Is this because 'down unda' we are literally behind the US & Europe in most things, and we'll get it later on in 2009 - or amongst other things - did Kevin Rudds stimulus actually help out?

Everyone who logged a tax return last year was entitled to a tier based payment, into your account, totally tax free. Up to $900 (450 quid) per person. Not bad, there was no demand on what we did with our cash, but we were encouraged to spend, spend, spend (on aussie goods of course) - not save, save, save. We almost did what they wanted, we bought a wii & some clothes, maybe we should send him a Thank You note?

So whilst we can be slightly na na na naaaa na on that front - our swine flu numbers have gone through the roof! There are 1000 reported cases of Swine Flu, the majority in Victoria! The total number in the UK is only 621. As of 9th June.

It is winter here (yes its bloody freezing at the moment - well, ok its under 15 degrees) so this is traditionally flu season anyway, and a huge amount of people travel in and out of Melbourne, and we are almost the coldest place in Australia right now....but still a bit bizarre....

But anyway, its kept our house mates Tash & Maxi in employment, they continue to be paid on differing roles in relation to the governments dealings with Swine Flu. God bless the mexican pigs we say.