Australia's economy now bigger than at the start of the COVID pandemic, GDP data shows. But can rebound last in the face of vaccine delays and lockdown risks?

Australia's economy has bounced back from the COVID recession, growing by a much-better-than-expected 1.1 per cent over the past year. GDP grew 1.8 per cent in the March quarter, above economist expectations of 1.6 per cent. 

ABC's Peter Ryan says while growth is expected to continue, Australia's rollout of vaccines remains critical to managing future outbreaks.

Economic rebound set to continue with iron ore, consumer spending to boost GDP

This time last year, the outlook for Australia's economy was dire as the fallout from the pandemic sparked damaging lockdowns and border restrictions. 

But later this morning, official growth numbers are expected to confirm Australia's economic rebound continues with output surpassing pre-pandemic levels. 

ABC's Peter Ryan says forecasts have been upgraded to show first quarter growth of 1.5 percent, making 0.6 percent over the year.

Slow vaccine rollout risks "sizeable outbreak" in Australia, OECD warns

 Australia's economy continues to rebound from the pandemic-induced crisis, but there are warnings that delays in rolling out vaccines run the risk of a "sizeable outbreak" and tougher restrictions.

The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development - or the OECD - says the strong recovery could be undermined without a much faster and effective vaccine rollout.

Here's my analysis broadcast on the ABC's AM program

Economic rebound to continue but Victoria lockdown weighs on confidence

There'll be more evidence this week that Australia's economy is continuing it's steady recovery from the pandemic-induced crisis. 

Official GDP numbers out on Wednesday are likely to confirm expanding growth, though the V-shaped rebound appears to be flattening out as massive government stimulus begins to fade.

ABC's Peter Ryan says the focus will be on Victoria'd COVID lockdown amid calls for the return of Jobkeeper support to support workers and employers.