In possibly a fresh sign of opposition to the British monarchy across the Commonwealth after Queen Elizabeth II's death, the likeness of King Charles III will not feature on Australia's new $5 note.
The nation's central bank on 2 February 2023 said that the new currency note will feature an Indigenous design honouring the "culture and history of the First Australians". The other side of the note will continue to feature the Australian parliament, the reserve bank said. The $5 bill is Australia's only bank note to feature the monarch.
It said the decision followed consultation with the government, which supported the change. Treasurer Jim Chalmers weighed in on the decision, saying the change was an “opportunity to strike a good balance.” “The monarch will still be on the coins, but the $5 note will say more about our history and our heritage and our country, and I see that as a good thing,” he told reporters in Melbourne.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton likened the move to changing the date of the national day, Australia Day.
(With agency inputs)
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