Australia jobless rate falls

---

SYDNEY, July 10 (AFP): Australian unemployment surprisingly fell in June, official data showed today, leading Treasurer Wayne Swan to say the economy was still growing despite a global credit crunch and high oil prices.

Unemployment fell to 4.2 per cent in June against forecasts of 4.3 per cent, amid expectations of an economic slowdown in the wake of slumping consumer and business confidence.

"These figures today reflect that the Australian economy is continuing to grow," Swan said. "Given the global credit crunch, given the global oil shock, these figures are very welcome figures indeed."

Swan said he remained optimistic about Australia's economic prospects.