The Boss 'is the answer to Australia's economic woes'

Bruce Springsteen performs live on stage during the second day of Hard Rock Calling at Hyde Park (GETTY IMAGES)

Australia's finance minister has declared rock star Bruce Springsteen the answer to economic woes.

Wayne Swan said the country could learn a lot - and avoid pitfalls - by listening to his music.

Mr Swan said the star, nicknamed The Boss, has long been his political inspiration. He said the New Jersey-born rock star's music, railing against inequality, echoed his own public battle against Australian billionaire mining tycoons who oppose his tax reforms.

PA