In the future, the portrait will be replaced with a design that honors Aboriginal culture and history.
The portrait of the late Queen Elizabeth II on the Australian $5 note will be replaced with a design that pays homage to Aboriginal culture and history. The announcement was made by the Australian central bank on Thursday. King Charles III will not adorn Commonwealth state banknotes with it. “This decision by the Central Bank Board of Governors follows consultations with the Australian Government, which supports the change.”
The bank wants to consult representatives of the indigenous population for the future design of the banknote. Other Down Under notes and coins already feature famous Aboriginal figures and artwork. According to the central bank, however, it will still be a few years before the new notes enter 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 monarch’s portrait has been printed on banknotes since 1992. The Queen’s death in September last year has reignited the debate over the monarchy in Australia. King Charles is the new head of state for the fifth continent.
(APA/dpa)