Status: 02/02/2023 10:09 a.m
The Reserve Bank of Australia has printed a portrait of the Queen on its $5 bills since 1992. After her death, the banknotes will replace a picture of the new British king Charles III. show an indigenous design in the future.
The portrait of the late Queen Elizabeth II on the Australian $5 banknote will be replaced with a design that honors Aboriginal culture and history. The Australian Parliament should still be visible on the other side of the bill. This was announced by the Australian central bank.
“Honoring culture of the first Australians”
For the future design of the banknote, the bank wants to consult with representatives of the indigenous population. She explained that this was to honor the culture and history of the first Australians. Opponents of the step criticize that it is politically motivated. Other notes and coins in Australia already feature famous Aboriginal figures and artwork.
However, it will be a few more years before the new notes come into circulation. Until then, the five-dollar bills with the Queen’s face will continue to be printed. They will continue to be valid afterwards.
The portrait of the monarch has been printed on banknotes since 1992. The death of the Queen in September last year had reignited the discussion about the monarchy in Australia.
In Australia, as in many former British colonies, the extent to which constitutional ties with Britain should be maintained is a matter of debate.