Australia’s leader backs Obama on stimulus

Addressing a joint session of Congress on Wednesday, Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard endorsed stimulus projects around the world, saying they had averted further economic disaster.

"While there has been real pain, the global response averted true economic disaster,” said Gillard. “Economic stimulus has been crucial to limit the worst effects of the downturn, and economic reform is crucial now to deliver the best hopes for a strong recovery.”

President Obama's stimulus package, which poured more than $800 billion into the U.S. economy beginning in 2009, has become a favorite punching bag for Republicans, who note the unemployment remains high. This year the administration has sought to provide further stimulus in the form of government spending and tax cuts.

Gillard said America and Australia share many of the same working and economic philosophies.

“Our economic partnership is one for hardship and prosperity,” she said. “In hard days we work together. Our societies share a deep understanding of the importance of work.”

Gillard spoke for about 45 minutes on the House floor. The Senate reconvened at noon.