A study has shed new light on the mystery of redheads, with eight genes linked to the hair colour discovered by scientists at Edinburgh University.

It was previously believed the hair colour was controlled by a single gene with versions passed on by both parents, however, not everyone carrying two red-haired versions is a redhead, indicating more genes had to be involved.

Sex workers across 33 countries who face repressive policing are three times more likely to experience sexual or physical violence.

Workers are twice as likely to have HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases and experience a higher risk of mental health issues.

Lead researcher and an associate professor in public health epidemiology, Lucy Platt, says repressive police practices increase harms for sex workers, also stating policy reform is needed to improve sex workers' safety.

An internal Border Force email uncovered by the Sydney Morning Herald has exposed plans for the Australian Border Force to save money by removing ships from ocean patrols.

The email detailed operational limitations to be imposed in order to achieve a saving in the annual fuel budget.

In a statement, the Australian Border Force did not deny the fuel-saving tactic but said the Force’s maritime posture was regularly adjusted to remain agile, flexible and responsive to the changing operational environment.

The central bank estimates Australians spend 13.7 billion dollars in the year through August 2017, with methamphetamine and cannabis accounting for over 70% of purchases.

Released Tuesday, a research paper exploring the usage of the nation’s banknotes, suggests almost 2% is used for illegal drug deals, with users still making face-to-face sales.

Excluding cannabis, methamphetamine is the most used illicit drug by weight, followed by cocaine, MDMA or ecstasy, then heroin.

An Infrastructure Australia report released yesterday has shown roads, public transport, hospitals and schools are failing to keep pace with the construction of new housing in Brisbane’s growth areas.

Infrastructure Australia policy and research executive director Peter Colacino says Brisbane needs to focus on growing up instead of growing out and should avoid sprawling out into new greenfield areas.

Presently, Brisbane covers an area 20 times the size of New York City, with only a quarter of its population.

Ongoing drought conditions have taken a toll on century-old travelling stock routes, with vital areas in south-west Queensland closed off for the first time in living memory.

The Murweh Shire, which spans an area twice the size of Wales, has stopped issuing travelling permits and will only allow grazing permits on a case by case basis.

The decision has been criticised by drovers, saying it should be up to them as to whether they can get through, and they should be open at all times.

A multi-faith religious group has convened to review religious instruction in Queensland’s state schools.

Titled the Multi-Faiths Religious Instruction Peak Body, the group comprises representatives from the Islamic, Jewish, Baha’i and Buddhist faiths, in addition to 15 Christian groups.

The aim of the body is to ensure students from years 1 to 12 in Queensland state schools have the opportunity to explore faith and cultural expression in a safe and supportive environment.

Scott Morrison has pledged 1.5 billion dollars to community groups, health services and research institutions, in an effort to ruin any plans Labor had for a health cuts campaign.

The announcement comes ahead of the PM’s first meeting with the Coalition Of Australian Governments, with the aim to keep focus on the economy ahead of the federal election.

Morrison says the fund will allow more doctors and nurses to be employed across the country and is a tangible benefit of a strong economy.

A new retail report has shown that despite Queensland being one of the worst performing states in Australia in recent years, the tide is turning.

The sector has now grown to above the national average, putting the state ahead of Victoria, Western Australia and the Northern Territory, thanks to improvements in the mining sector and new investment.

Economist David Rumbens said businesses were feeling confident heading into the Christmas season, with 80% of retailers festive sales to exceed their 2017 sales, this year.