For the first time in history, Australia’s redesigned $5 note will not feature the image of a British monarch. Instead, the new design will celebrate the nation’s rich cultural heritage and unique identity by showcasing an Indigenous theme.
Contents
- 1 Australia‘s New $5 Bill Celebrates Indigenous Heritage
- 2 Significance of the ‘Connection to Country’ Theme
- 3 Acknowledging First Nations’ Connection to Land
- 4 A Milestone in Australia’s Cultural Representation
- 5 Political Reactions to the Change
- 6 A Step Toward National Identity and Indigenous Recognition
- 7 When Will the New $5 Note Enter Circulation?
Australia‘s New $5 Bill Celebrates Indigenous Heritage
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) recently confirmed that the upcoming $5 note will not display King Charles III’s image, marking a historic departure from the long-standing tradition of featuring British royalty. The decision follows extensive consultations and over 2,000 design submissions from the public.
Since 1992, Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait has been prominently featured on the $5 bill, the smallest denomination in Australian currency. However, the upcoming Connection to Country design will emphasize the profound bond between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their lands, waters, and skies.
Significance of the ‘Connection to Country’ Theme
According to RBA Assistant Governor Michelle McPhee, the new theme reflects the ongoing contributions of First Nations communities to environmental conservation and cultural preservation. The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) emphasized that the concept of “Country” encompasses the land, waters, and sky. A central focus of this idea is acknowledging the significant role First Nations communities play in preserving and restoring the environment.
The design process is still underway, and the final version of the banknote will be unveiled in the coming years. A key criterion for the submissions was that they should acknowledge the 1992 overturning of the terra nullius doctrine—a colonial legal concept falsely claiming Australia was an unoccupied land at the time of British settlement in 1788.
Acknowledging First Nations’ Connection to Land
The High Court’s historic ruling in 1992 recognized the enduring connection and rightful ownership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to their lands and waters. The RBA emphasized that the new design would reflect this recognition inclusively, ensuring that it does not perpetuate stereotypes but rather honors the diverse Indigenous cultures across Australia.
“An important context for this connection is the overturning of the concept of terra nullius. In acknowledging connection and caring for Country, the theme should be inclusive, recognizing that the nature of Country varies, but it is all connected,” the RBA elaborated.
A Milestone in Australia’s Cultural Representation
The introduction of this redesigned banknote presents a significant opportunity to celebrate Australia’s First Nations peoples, who have lived on the continent for at least 65,000 years. The move aligns with the Country’s broader discussions on its historical ties to Britain and the evolving role of the monarchy in modern Australia.
While Queen Elizabeth II appeared on over 33 different currencies worldwide—a world record—Australia’s shift away from featuring British royalty on its banknotes reflects the growing movement toward national identity and Indigenous recognition.
Political Reactions to the Change
The decision to exclude King Charles III from the new $5 note has sparked political debate. Opposition leader Peter Dutton criticized the move, labeling it part of a broader shift towards “woke nonsense.” He accused Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of playing a central role in the decision and urged him to take responsibility for it.
On the other hand, Senator Lidia Thorpe hailed the redesign as a “massive win for grassroots, First Nations people” advocating for decolonization. She expressed her support on social media, stating, “First Nations people never ceded our sovereignty to any King or Queen. Time for a Treaty Republic!”
A Step Toward National Identity and Indigenous Recognition
Australia remains a constitutional monarchy, with the British monarch serving as the head of state, though primarily in a symbolic role. However, the decision to replace the royal portrait on the $5 note reflects the Country’s ongoing discussions about its colonial history and the recognition of Indigenous rights.
Following Queen Elizabeth II’s passing in 2022, the Australian government committed to holding a referendum to acknowledge Indigenous peoples in the constitution. While some have suggested including a question about transitioning to a republic, the government has chosen to focus on Indigenous recognition as a priority.
When Will the New $5 Note Enter Circulation?
The final design is expected to be unveiled in the coming years, with the new banknotes set to enter circulation gradually. The RBA aims to ensure that the updated currency genuinely represents Australia’s diverse cultural heritage while respecting the deep connection Indigenous communities have to the land.
With this groundbreaking decision, Australia takes a significant step toward honoring its First Nations people and redefining its national identity through a symbol as every day as currency.
