King Charles will not appear on the new Australian $5 note. Instead, the new design will pay tribute to ‘’ the culture and history’’ of indigenous Australians. The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) said in a statement,’’ “This decision by the Reserve Bank Board follows consultation with the Australian government, which supports this change,”.
The Australian $5 note has a portrait of the Late Queen Elizabeth II, and her death last year reignited debates about Australia’s future as a constitutional monarchy.
It will represent a more independent and self-respected Australian identity
Since the Australian dollar will no longer have the picture of a king or queen from the British monarchy. It shows a more independent and self-respected Australian identity. It has its unique symbol on its money. Furthermore, the new design will reflect the country’s rich cultural heritage and diverse society. Australians believe it’s a significant step towards a more inclusive and representative national identity.
Additionally, RBA says that the decision follows consultation with the Australian government and they support this decision. The Bank said, “The Bank will consult with First Australians in designing the $5 banknote. The new banknote may take several years to be design and print. In the meantime, the current $5 banknote continue to be issue. It will be able to be use even after the new banknote is issue.’’
No reveal of New Design
Talking to BBC, RBA said that it has not yet set a date for revealing the new design on a five-dollar note. Aboriginal politicians and community leaders welcomed the decision. Meanwhile, Lidia Thorpe, a Greens senator and DjabWurrung Gunnai Gunditjmara woman commented on the decision, “This is a massive win for the grassroots, First Nations people who have been fighting to decolonise this country,”
In 2021, Australia changed the words in its national anthem to no longer say that the country is “young and free”. As Indigenous Australians have a very long and rich history, making them one of the oldest civilizations in the world.
