‘Our design costs the taxpayer nothing’: Is this the $5 redesign Australia should get behind?
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A recent decision by the Reserve Bank of Australia has sparked growing controversy, with taxpayers footing the bill for a significant redesign.
As tensions rise, questions are being raised about the cost, the rationale, and the ongoing debate surrounding the nation's banknotes.
What started as a change to honor Indigenous culture has now become the focus of widespread criticism, with some proposing a compromise that could appease both sides of the argument.
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has been under intense scrutiny after it was revealed that more than $507,000 of taxpayer money had been spent on removing the Queen’s portrait from the $5 banknote.
In 2023, the RBA announced plans to replace Queen Elizabeth II’s image with a design intended to honour the connection between First Nations peoples and their Country.
This move was met with immediate backlash, and the Australian Monarchist League (AML) stepped in with a compromise design that aimed to satisfy both the Indigenous community and supporters of the monarchy.
Philip Benwell, AML Chairman, shared: ‘Our design costs the taxpayer nothing and manages to pay tribute to both First Nations people and the King.’
He added, ‘We’ve done the Reserve Bank’s job for them.’
The proposed redesign featured Uluru on the left, wattle and the rainbow serpent in the middle, and King Charles III on the right.
The new design quickly gained traction on social media, with many voicing their opinions on the controversial changes.
Heather McPherson commented: ‘I don’t particularly like Charles but he should be on our $5 note as our beloved Queen was.’
Allan Evans called for the RBA to keep the Queen’s image, stating: ‘Put the Monarch back on $5 note.’
The design proposal echoed a similar one from 1966, when Australia’s $1 banknote featured both Queen Elizabeth II and Indigenous Australians.
The RBA was contacted for comment but did not provide a response.
This ongoing debate has highlighted the divide between those supporting the monarchy and those advocating for a more inclusive representation on Australian currency.
In a previous story, we explored the Reserve Bank of Australia's decision to update the $5 note with a fresh Indigenous design.
This move has sparked intense public discussion, especially among those who feel the monarchy should still be represented.
To read more about the RBA’s choice and how it has divided the nation, click here.
As the debate continues, it's clear that opinions on the redesign are deeply divided. Do you think King Charles III should appear on the $5 note, or is it time for something entirely different?
Share your thoughts in the comments.
As tensions rise, questions are being raised about the cost, the rationale, and the ongoing debate surrounding the nation's banknotes.
What started as a change to honor Indigenous culture has now become the focus of widespread criticism, with some proposing a compromise that could appease both sides of the argument.
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has been under intense scrutiny after it was revealed that more than $507,000 of taxpayer money had been spent on removing the Queen’s portrait from the $5 banknote.
In 2023, the RBA announced plans to replace Queen Elizabeth II’s image with a design intended to honour the connection between First Nations peoples and their Country.
This move was met with immediate backlash, and the Australian Monarchist League (AML) stepped in with a compromise design that aimed to satisfy both the Indigenous community and supporters of the monarchy.
Taxpayer dollars spent on controversial $5 banknote redesign. Image source: Australian Monarchist League
Philip Benwell, AML Chairman, shared: ‘Our design costs the taxpayer nothing and manages to pay tribute to both First Nations people and the King.’
He added, ‘We’ve done the Reserve Bank’s job for them.’
The proposed redesign featured Uluru on the left, wattle and the rainbow serpent in the middle, and King Charles III on the right.
The new design quickly gained traction on social media, with many voicing their opinions on the controversial changes.
Heather McPherson commented: ‘I don’t particularly like Charles but he should be on our $5 note as our beloved Queen was.’
Allan Evans called for the RBA to keep the Queen’s image, stating: ‘Put the Monarch back on $5 note.’
The design proposal echoed a similar one from 1966, when Australia’s $1 banknote featured both Queen Elizabeth II and Indigenous Australians.
The RBA was contacted for comment but did not provide a response.
This ongoing debate has highlighted the divide between those supporting the monarchy and those advocating for a more inclusive representation on Australian currency.
In a previous story, we explored the Reserve Bank of Australia's decision to update the $5 note with a fresh Indigenous design.
This move has sparked intense public discussion, especially among those who feel the monarchy should still be represented.
To read more about the RBA’s choice and how it has divided the nation, click here.
As the debate continues, it's clear that opinions on the redesign are deeply divided. Do you think King Charles III should appear on the $5 note, or is it time for something entirely different?
Share your thoughts in the comments.
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