Australia’s Central Bank has announced that the country is removing the picture of the British monarch from their banknotes. The new 5 dollar bill is to show an image of an indigenous person or piece of art instead of the British King Charles III. Australia’s other banknotes have already substituted the Queen’s portrait with other national symbols.
Australia’s government has chosen Aboriginal symbols for their banknotes to honour the native Australians. Although the British monarch will not appear on banknotes any more, he will still be on Australia’s coins.
There have been many discussions in the past about the role of the British monarch in Australia. In the referendum of 1999 Australia’s citizens have voted to keep the king or queen as the country’s official Head of State.
The new banknotes will be issued in a few years.
Reserve Bank of Australia – Original publication: Official Reserve Bank of Australia website Immediate source: http://banknotes.rba.gov.au/australias-banknotes/banknotes-in-circulation/five-dollar/