PM

Phones are running hot at Sydney's Macquarie Street this evening as Coalition MPs sound out who could be the next premier of New South Wales. Current leader Mike Baird announced his resignation from politics this morning, catching a number of politicians off-guard, including his deputy Premier. Treasurer Gladys Berejiklian has already put her hand up for the job, but one veteran state political reporter says there's a "virtual army of misogynists" in the Liberal Party, and he's not sure she'll succeed. Crikey journalist Alex Mitchell speaks to PM.

Economists have expressed concern about the economy's ability to generate new jobs, as Australia's unemployment rate rises to its highest level in six months. Analysts say the economy and the jobs market seem to have stalled, making it harder for the long-term unemployed to find work.

Consumer advocacy group Choice has launched an online calculator to help people answer one of modern life's great questions - should I pay for health insurance? With premiums rising by almost half since 2009, the question becomes more pressing each year. Choice warns young people especially are vulnerable to being sold policies they do not need.

It's a controversial use of the surgery, but lap banding has significant benefits for severely obese teenagers. That's according to a new study which found both weight and body mass index improved in a group of adolescents, in the months and years after lap band surgery. Researchers say it should be considered as a management tool for obese teens, but other options should be exhausted before they go under the knife.

More young foreigners have spoken out after losing their life savings to a Brisbane-based international education agency. They say they paid for English language courses and accommodation but both the money and the agents have disappeared. The largely South American-based victims have called on the Australian Government and the education industry for help, but they say little can be done for those offshore. However, The World Today has obtained a letter from the Education Minister, urging English colleges to assist students to avoid damage to Australia's international reputation.

The directors of a ridesharing company are making no apologies for excluding men. The company only employs female drivers and only accepts women or children as passengers. It says it's offering a safer alternative to taxis and Uber cars.

India's election commission has stepped in to end a bitter feud between a father and son, over a bicycle. The commission's decision to award the bicycle to the son could clear his path to eventually challenge Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the top job. It's not a real bike, but a symbol - this week election officials gave the chief minister of India's most populous state the right to use that bike in a forthcoming poll - a decision with potentially far-reaching consequences.

A survey of households in Timor-Leste has found most people in the country's capital fear they'll be evicted from their land in the next five years. The report says questions around land conflict and dispossession are looming large. Timor Leste's parliament has been debating draft land laws ahead of the country's election in July.

The Premier of New South Wales, Mike Baird has announced his resignation to spend more time with his family. Mr Baird, the son of former state and federal minister Bruce Baird, made the surprise announcement after nearly a decade in politics and six years in government. The last three years of his political career, he was premier. He said that it was his wish to spend more time with his wife and children as well as his elderly parents and sister that forced his hand in standing down.

The Victorian Government is apologising to gun owners whose data has been accidentally released. The state's Environment Department accidentally emailed out lists of people with gun licences. The Government says it's confident no data will be misused, but the Shooters and Fishers Party is concerned it could go to criminals.